The Fax and the Furious: How One Screeching Machine Upended Sports — and Society as We Knew It
Mar 27, 2025
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In this discussion, J.A. Adande, a Hall-of-Fame sportswriter and head of Northwestern's sports journalism program, reflects on the nostalgia and significance of the fax machine in sports. They share personal stories from the 90s, illustrating how this quirky technology shaped communication and sports culture. The conversation nostalgically races through Michael Jordan’s legendary faxed comeback and humorously contrasts the past with today’s instant communication methods, making it a captivating exploration of how far we've come.
The nostalgic experience of using fax machines evokes fond memories linked to the tactile communication methods of the past.
Michael Jordan's iconic 'I'm back' fax not only marked his return to basketball but also highlighted the fax's significant role in sports journalism.
Deep dives
The Nostalgia of Fax Machines
The discussion on fax machines evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, highlighting their tactile and auditory experiences. The haptic sensation of pressing buttons and the distinct sounds during a fax transmission create fond memories for those who grew up using them. As the conversation unfolds, the anticipation and excitement associated with hearing the machine connect and begin to scan documents are emphasized, representing a unique time in communication history. These experiences stand in stark contrast to today's more digital and less personal communication methods.
The Significance of Faxes in Journalism
Faxes played a crucial role in journalism, particularly during the 1990s, when reporters relied on them for timely communications. J.A. Adande shares an anecdote from his early career, recalling how a fax machine was essential for sending stories back to his newsroom, illustrating the lengths journalists needed to go for their work. The necessity of using phone jacks and securing access to fax machines in different locations emphasizes the effort involved in the reporting process. The fax transfers not only served as a means of communication but also an entry point into the world of sports journalism.
Michael Jordan's Fax That Changed Sports History
A pivotal moment in sports history occurred when Michael Jordan announced his return to basketball with a legendary fax stating, 'I'm back.' This succinct message, crafted through a collaborative effort with his agent, became a defining moment for both sports and fax communication. The episode delves into how this fax was disseminated to media outlets and the broader implications it had on news sharing and sports culture. The historical significance of this event is reflected in its enduring legacy in both sports journalism and the art of announcement.
The Decline of Fax Machines
As technology advanced, the relevance of fax machines diminished, leading to a drastic drop in their use by businesses. The shift from fax to digital platforms, especially with the introduction of email and electronic signatures, illustrates the evolution of communication methods over time. The podcast highlights a specific incident involving an NFL player missing a contract deadline because of a fax mishap, underscoring the practical implications of relying on outdated technology. This serves as a reminder of how the fax machine, once a staple of communication, became increasingly obsolete in the face of modern innovations.
Thirty years ago this month, Michael Jordan shocked the world with a two-word transmission: "I'm back." But the rise and fall of this especially nostalgic technology is inextricably hard-wired to the sports world, from frantic prodigies to foul-mouthed coaches and fans glued to FaxCam. Pablo communes with a relic between himself and J.A. Adande — the Hall-of-Fame sportswriter and long-suffering fax-sender — for a jam session on innovation and increasingly epic fails that plunges PTFO into the literal depths of modern communication.