The Press Box

The hosts dive into Bari Weiss's first day at CBS News, exploring her potential impact on the network amidst declining public trust in media. They discuss the misreporting surrounding Mark Sanchez's arrest and the pitfalls of breaking news on social media. Highlights include praise for Eric Collins's enthusiastic NFL debut and a nostalgic look at Chris Berman's legacy in sports broadcasting. Finally, they touch on the challenges of modern headline culture and the evolving landscape of audience trust.

Dive into a heated exchange between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates as they debate the ethics of journalism in light of political grief. Explore the surprising prospect of ESPN's Paul Finebaum running for the Senate and the implications of his political leanings. The discussion also touches on the explosive sales of Kamala Harris's memoir and the evolving landscape of Washington Post's opinion section. With a mix of serious discussions and lighter moments, the hosts keep listeners engaged throughout!

Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and New Yorker staff writer, discusses the evolving future of journalism education, emphasizing ethics, public trust, and the importance of transparency in media. He argues for a balance of subject expertise and journalistic technique. Spencer Hall, writer and co-founder of Channel 6, reflects on his unique voice, the 'weird internet,' and how his unconventional path shaped his career. He shares insights on community engagement and creative independence in the media landscape.

Bryan shares insider stories from his trip to Dallas, revealing secrets of football reporting and contrasting the Micah Parsons trade with Luka Doncic's. They dive into lively moments from a Cowboys-Packers game, including unexpected broadcaster antics and a hilarious sideline interview with Ben Johnson. Discussions also touch on why Bernie Sanders is getting biographies now, and Leonardo DiCaprio's viral name anecdote. Plus, there's a humorous look at the overused Twitter jokes about football ties.

NBC play-by-play broadcaster Noah Eagle joins the conversation, sharing his insights on the highly anticipated Oregon–Penn State matchup. He describes the electric atmosphere of a Penn State whiteout and discusses how to stay calm during chaotic game finishes. Noah also delves into the evolving strategies of play-by-play broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of knowing names over intricate plays. The light-hearted debate about wardrobe choices in broadcasting leads to an amusing take on suits versus quarter-zips.

The hosts dive into Vanity Fair's hiring of Olivia Nuzzi, exploring the themes of transparency and redemption in journalism. They also unpack the ongoing Jimmy Kimmel situation amid corporate media challenges. Football highlights roll out, featuring exciting audio clips, including a standout touchdown call and notable commentary. Finally, they analyze Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's presidential campaign, weighing his prospects against a dynamic political landscape.

Ivan Maisel, a veteran college football writer and author, joins to discuss his book on Frank Leahy, the iconic Notre Dame coach. He dives into Leahy's obsessive preparation and the unique recruiting tactics that transformed college football. The conversation explores the cult-like status surrounding coaches, particularly during Leahy's era, and how the coaching landscape has drastically changed over the years. Maisel also reflects on Leahy's struggles and the commercialization of college sports, offering a thought-provoking look at the evolution of coaching.

This week, Lachlan Cartwright, founder of the media newsletter Breaker, joins the discussion. He delves into the chaotic landscape of media surrounding high-profile crimes and social media's role in shaping narratives. They explore key topics, like Puck's acquisition of Air Mail and CBS News' concerns over Bari Weiss’s new position. Lachlan also sheds light on Lachlan Murdoch’s control over Fox and News Corp, illustrating the tangled web of media power dynamics. The conversation is a captivating mix of industry insights and humor.

The podcast reveals the shocking coverage surrounding the killing of a conservative activist and its societal implications. It delves into Trump's ongoing feud with The Wall Street Journal and celebrates the extension of 'Pardon the Interruption.' Insightful discussions on Lachlan Murdoch's emerging control over his family's media empire and the complexities of college football polls showcase the turbulent landscape of sports journalism. Finally, it highlights Adam Silver's intriguing comments on NBA viewership amid changing consumer habits.

The hosts dive into CBS News's recent controversies, highlighting issues with edited interviews and media integrity. They spark lively discussions around tense interactions on sports shows and the thrill of NFL opening weekend. J.J. Watt's debut as a broadcaster gets mixed reviews. Later, the quirky Peacock series 'The Paper' is critiqued for its satirical take on journalism and the decline of local news. With humor, they navigate media politics and the challenges of sports commentary, wrapping up with some laughs over strained-pun headlines.