Slate Daily Feed Death, Sex & Money | Private Equity Blew Up My Life
Sep 16, 2025
Megan Greenwell, journalist and author of "Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream," shares her gripping journey from editor-in-chief of Deadspin to uncovering the dark side of private equity. She discusses how the industry's profit-driven motives led to the disintegration of editorial integrity, affecting both employees and communities. With tales from various impacted individuals, Greenwell highlights the emotional toll and systemic injustices wrought by private equity takeovers, illuminating a pressing narrative of modern American life.
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First Big Scoop In High School
- As a 15-year-old student journalist, Megan uncovered an indentured servitude ring in her town and published it in the school paper.
- The landlord went to federal prison and the story shook Berkeley's sense of itself.
Walking Away From Deadspin
- Megan joined Deadspin as editor and left after private equity owners clashed with editorial practice.
- She walked when it became clear staying would threaten her staff and the site's future.
Scale Over Substance
- Great Hill Partners prioritized scale and top-line growth over the actual editorial health of Deadspin.
- They ignored data showing non-sports content outperformed sports and enforced directives irrespective of business sense.
