Ethan Strauss, popular sports newsletter writer, discusses how sports media has lost touch with its core audience and been captured by elite media. They explore the difference between men's and women's sports in business and marketing, and who is driving the voice of sports institutions. They also touch upon the declining popularity of sports among young people and the impact of progressive messaging. In addition, they talk about the contradictory desire of journalists to be counterculture and mainstream, and the lack of trust and meaningful conversation within sports media.
Sports media has lost touch with its core audience due to being captured by elite media.
Sports marketing's performative wokeness fails to resonate with actual sports fans.
Ideological messaging in sports may alienate certain segments of the audience but normalization is happening and sports remain popular.
Deep dives
The disconnect between the journalistic class and the mainstream audience
The speaker discusses the need among the journalistic class to be both the vanguard and the mainstream, highlighting the disconnect and incongruity that arises from trying to fulfill both roles. This need is not exclusive to the journalistic set, but is observed among many people. The speaker questions the logic behind wanting to be both the underdog and the overdog simultaneously, as it does not align or make sense.
Sports marketing and performative wokeness
The speaker explores the phenomenon of sports marketing being influenced by hollow performative wokeness. They explain the disconnect between the actual interests and concerns of sports fans and the messaging that advertisers and media professionals push. The speaker highlights the cringe-worthy nature of such marketing attempts and questions the effectiveness and appeal of these campaigns to the target audience.
The impact of ideological messaging in the sports world
The speaker discusses the impact of ideological messaging on the popularity of sports. They highlight the disinterest of young people in sports and the potential role that ideological messaging might play in alienating certain segments of the audience. However, the speaker also notes that despite some brand damage, normalization is occurring and sports remain popular, particularly among male audiences.
The changing landscape of media and social media's influence
The speaker reflects on the changing landscape of media and the influence of social media platforms like Twitter. They mention the impact of platform changes and the cultural shift in discussions, including fewer hysteric reactions and less ideological monoliths. The speaker also notes the importance of being reasonable and the lack of trust in the ability to have sensible conversations in the current media environment.
The future of sports and the cultural perceptions of masculinity
The speaker contemplates the future of sports and the evolving perceptions of masculinity in society. They highlight the challenges faced by sports in appealing to younger generations and discuss the constraints imposed by social and financial incentives. The speaker notes the need for a nuanced discussion surrounding gender issues in sports and expresses a desire for more open and honest conversations about cultural forces at play.
Ethan Strauss went from working seven days a week and falling asleep on the train to Coney Island to one of the most popular sports newsletters on Substack.
He visited The Unspeakable and we talked about sports media and how it has been captured by elite media and lost touch with its core audience as a result. We also talk about the difference between men’s and women’s sports when it comes to business and marketing and who is driving the voice of sports institutions.
In the bonus, we talk about Ethan’s age (obviously), and his article “All Hail The Model,” which reveals his secrets to success but gave me anxiety.
GUEST BIO
Ethan Strauss is a sports writer and podcaster and the eponymous host of House of Strauss.
His career has followed the NBA where he blogged his way about the Golden State Warriors to jobs at Bleacher Report and ESPN. He has bylines in Salon and The Athletic.