The CBS Disaster and NFL Sound, The New Yorker Turns 100, and More Tales of Journalistic Failure
Jan 27, 2025
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This week, hosts dive into The New Orleans 100-year legacy, tackling its evolution in journalism. They discuss bizarre moments in NFL games, including the famous phantom flag incident. Tom Brady's broadcasting debut is dissected, examining his unique commentary style. The hosts share listener stories about journalism mishaps and unfinished articles, showcasing the quirky side of the profession. Finally, they explore the playful use of puns and the term 'eldritch,' delivering laughs alongside insightful media commentary.
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Quick takeaways
The New Yorker, celebrating its centenary, remains a leading force in journalism by balancing timeless and contemporary storytelling with literary flair.
The transition in The New Yorker's editorial leadership poses crucial questions about its future adaptability to digital trends while preserving core journalistic values.
Deep dives
The New Yorker's Enduring Legacy
The New Yorker is celebrated for its distinctive voice and metropolitan perspective, positioning itself as a pillar of modern journalism. Its founder, Harold Ross, envisioned it as a publication that neither conformed nor considered the interests of mainstream America, epitomized by his famous remark about disregarding the old lady in Dubuque. This self-definition reinforces its identity as a magazine that appeals to a cultured, urban demographic, creating an aspirational allure. As the media landscape evolves, The New Yorker maintains this unique brand of journalism, allowing readers outside New York to connect with its metropolitan ethos.
Navigating Digital Transformation
The New Yorker has adeptly navigated the transition from print to digital while preserving its core journalistic standards. Despite the rise of immediate news cycles and analytics-driven content, the publication continues to produce in-depth reporting that balances timeless topics with contemporary issues. For instance, its insightful articles on current events, like the LA fires and international stories, showcase the depth and breadth of the publication's character. The New Yorker's ability to curate both major and niche stories highlights its commitment to comprehensive journalism, countering the tendency of some media outlets to prioritize clickbait.
Future Leadership Contemplations
The impending transition in The New Yorker's editorial leadership raises critical questions about its future direction and editorial approach. With David Remnick's long tenure potentially coming to an end, discussions about whether a traditional journalist or a digital innovator should succeed him reflect broader industry trends. This decision could significantly impact how The New Yorker adapts to the evolving media landscape while retaining its journalistic integrity and distinctive voice. The prospect of hiring a leader who embodies both modernity and traditionalism presents an opportunity for the publication to remain a vital player in journalism.
The Cultural Impact of Headline Crafting
The playful headlines used by The New Yorker and other publications serve as a cultural commentary in their own right, blending wit and relevance. The contrast between digital and print headlines demonstrates an understanding of audience expectations, where the latter may engage with richer, more nuanced language. This creativity is not merely aesthetic; it plays a vital role in drawing readers into the narrative and reflecting the publication's sophisticated nature. As evidenced by examples like Gary Steingart's dual headlines, such wordplay signifies The New Yorker's unique approach to storytelling and its awareness of a diverse readership.
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing The New Yorker turning 100 and what it has been throughout time (0:00). Then they get into the sounds of the NFL playoffs:
Strangest moment from the Eagles-Commanders … from the referee (32:00)
Tom Brady on his future in the broadcast booth (40:34)
The CBS disaster with the phantom flag in the Bills-Chiefs game (44:12)
Then in the Notebook Dump they follow up Thursday’s episode of how failed profiles came apart with a couple of stories from listeners (50:32).
Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.