The Press Box Ohio State and Barstool, the Great Film Critic Shortage, and the MS NOW Acronym Challenge. Plus: Michael M. Grynbaum on the Past and Future of Condé Nast.
18 snips
Aug 26, 2025 Michael M. Grynbaum, a New York Times media correspondent and author of 'Empire of the Elite,' dives into the rich history of Condé Nast, illuminating its role in shaping American media with iconic publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair. He discusses the company's struggles in the digital age and the transformative influence of figures like Tina Brown and Anna Wintour. The conversation also touches on the decline of local film critics, emphasizing the challenges faced by traditional journalism amidst evolving media landscapes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
90s SportsCenter Tone Still Shapes Sports Media
- Retro SportsCenter tone mixes nerdy analysis with pop-culture flair and a professorial distance.
- Bryan Curtis says that tone feels like reading a 90s magazine and still influences modern sports media.
The Portnoy Ban Story Kept Changing
- Hosts recount the Barstool–Ohio State controversy and its shifting claims about a ban.
- They note the story evolved from an Ohio State ban to Fox deciding Portnoy wouldn't sit at the main desk.
Controversy Often Benefits Barstool
- Controversies often amplify Barstool and Portnoy's brand rather than harm it.
- Bryan Curtis argues such stunts generally serve Portnoy's publicity machine.
