The Press Box

Jimmy Kimmel Is Suspended, Molly Qerim Leaves ESPN, and Ivan Maisel on the Cult of the College Football Coach

13 snips
Sep 18, 2025
Ivan Maisel, a veteran college football writer and author, joins to discuss his book on Frank Leahy, the iconic Notre Dame coach. He dives into Leahy's obsessive preparation and the unique recruiting tactics that transformed college football. The conversation explores the cult-like status surrounding coaches, particularly during Leahy's era, and how the coaching landscape has drastically changed over the years. Maisel also reflects on Leahy's struggles and the commercialization of college sports, offering a thought-provoking look at the evolution of coaching.
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INSIGHT

Regulatory Threats Can Silence Media

  • Government pressure can produce corporate censorship when regulators threaten fines or license action.
  • Bryan Curtis argues Brendan Carr's comments made ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel effectively coerced by the FCC.
INSIGHT

Brazenness Replaces Plausible Deniability

  • The Trump administration's approach is brazen rather than covert, removing plausible deniability in its influence tactics.
  • Joel Anderson and Bryan Curtis see celebration of results as proof of an explicit playbook to intimidate media owners.
INSIGHT

Mergers Create Incentives To Appease Regulators

  • Corporate decisions were shaped by regulatory deals tied to affiliate mergers, creating financial incentives to appease regulators.
  • Bryan Curtis connects Nexstar's Tegna purchase and the need for FCC signoff to the affiliate preemptions of Kimmel.
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