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The Press Box

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.
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Episodes

NBA Inches Closer to a Rights Deal, ESPN’s No. 1 Team, and Stephen A.’s History of Debate TV With Howard Beck and Sheil Kapadia

Hello media consumers! We close out a busy week with two appearances! First, Howard Beck joins Bryan to discuss the NBA finalizing the rights deal (1:20), what is intriguing about NBC and Amazon’s coverage (9:30), and the NBA going back to broadcast television (18:00). Then, Sheil Kapadia joins to discuss whether or not Charles Barkley would work with his ‘Inside the NBA’ teammates elsewhere (21:51), thoughts on ESPN’s number one announce team (25:23), ESPN’s ‘Up for Debate’ docuseries (36:55), ...

May 23, 20241 hr 6 min

Patrick Radden Keefe on Crime Stories, No-Access Journalism, Getting Tenure at The New Yorker, and Turning 'Say Nothing' Into a Series

Last week, Bryan went to the Santa Fe International Literary Festival and was able to speak with Patrick Radden Keefe. They discussed a few things about Patrick’s career, including: How Patrick discovered magazines in junior high school and what stood out about them (2:21) How he pitches a story to The New Yorker today (12:20) His attraction to crime stories (17:19) Whether there are too many crime stories in the era of Netflix (25:07) Write-arounds and no-access journalism (31:20) Host: Bryan C...

May 22, 20241 hr

ESPN Loves the Knicks, Scarlett Johansson and AI, Reporters Discover the T-Wolves, and the Media Acid Test

Hello, media consumers! David kicks off the show with a fun story for you (0:40), then he and Bryan get into NBA playoff talk with the following: How much does sports media know about Minnesota (7:05) Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns's reactions to being told they are supposed to lose (12:25) Stephen A. Smith and ESPN’s love for the New York Knicks (15:01) Later in the Notebook Dump they discuss: Scarlett Johansson’s voice being used for AI (26:42) Netflix and the NFL (31:00) Cam’ron’s app...

May 21, 202449 min

Presidential Debate Strategizing, the NBA Rights Endgame, and New Yorker Editor Succession With Semafor’s Max Tani

Hello media consumers! On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, to discuss the following: Biden and Trump agree to two presidential debates on CNN and ABC (01:33) What to make of the NBA media rights negotiations (19:13) JJ Redick: podcaster and coach? (28:20) The succession plan for The New Yorker’s next editor (35:31) Joe Kahn and the young reporters at NYT (44:23) Covering the media beat (48:15) Then, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Host: ...

May 16, 20241 hr 1 min

Checking in on the Trump Trial, Weekend Sounds from the NBA and How “The Phantom Menace” Changed the Media

Hello media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by checking in on the Trump trial and discussing how we have been getting updates without it being televised, including real-time updates from the New York Times (0:21). They then get into a few things from NBA playoff weekend, including the following: Shaq telling Nikola Jokic that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves to be NBA MVP (7:51) Some very interesting sounds during Luka Doncic’s press conference (10:41) How do NBA analysts judge team...

May 13, 202459 min

The Death of Journalistic Swagger, Apple Is Crushing It, ‘The Office’ For Newspapers, and "The Revenge of the Homepage" With Julia Turner

Hello media consumers! On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Julia Turner—one of the hosts of Slate's Culture Gabfest! They get into the following topics: Jack Shafer’s story in Politico about “journalistic swagger” (1:20). Ben Smith of Semafor’s interview with New York Times executive editor Joe Kahn regarding the 2024 election (20:26) The Apple ad about the new thin iPad (32:56) An ‘Office’ spinoff, but for a newspaper company (35:26) Reggie Miller has learned something from Bryan and other...

May 09, 202459 min

A Report From the Tom Brady Roast, Pat Beverley Stiffs a Reporter, and Kristi Noem’s Memoir-gate.

Bryan and David start by recapping Bryan’s experience at the roast of Tom Brady. Then, they discuss the reports and negotiations around the upcoming NBA media rights, and what it could mean for the ‘Inside the NBA’ on TNT (23:37). They also talk about Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley not allowing a media member to participate in a media scrum for not subscribing to his podcast (29:11). Later in the Notebook Dump, they talk of Kristi Noem being “misquoted” in her memoir, followed by The Old...

May 06, 202455 min

NBC Vs. TNT for the NBA, College Reporters Covering the Protests, Stephen A. Smith on Mike Trout, and the Baseball Beat With The Athletic’s Andy McCullough

Hello, media consumers! Bryan welcomes Andy McCullough, a writer for The Athletic and the author of the upcoming Clayton Kershaw biography ‘The Last of His Kind.’ They start off by discussing NBC's and TNT’s bidding for the NBA’s TV rights and what the NBA would look like without TNT (01:47). Then, they discuss the ongoing college protests over the war in Gaza and the student reporters covering it from the ground (13:12). After that, they discuss recent comments from Stephen A. Smith and Charles...

May 02, 20241 hr 10 min

Joe Biden Does Howard Stern, NBA and NFL Draft Observations, the Return of ‘The Onion,’ and the ‘New York Times’ vs. the White House

Hello media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week with a headline we never thought we'd see: Joe Biden did ‘The Howard Stern Show’ (0:41). They then get into the following: A recap of interesting sounds from NFL draft weekend (8:43) NBA playoffs observations, rights negotiations, and Cari Champion’s LeBron James tweet (22:53) Bryan’s playoff grinch takes (34:02) Then, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss the following: Politico’s Eli Stokols story on the feud between President Biden and the...

Apr 29, 20241 hr 4 min

Mock Draft Week in America, Knicks Mania, the Yankee Umpire Affair, and Howie Schwab Stories With Peter Schrager

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is back on Tuesday and joined by Fox Sports senior writer and 'Good Morning Football' host Peter Schrager! Peter kicks off the show by discussing the move of 'GMFB' from New York to California (2:20). They discuss the NFL draft, starting with some draft terminology, how Peter puts together a mock draft, and more (7:04). Then they get into New York sports, starting with the Knicks' big Game 2 win and the electricity of the fans (32:54), and followed by Yankees manage...

Apr 23, 20241 hr 2 min

Scenes From the Trump Trial, the NBA’s New Rights Deal, the Afterlife of the Alt-Weeklies, and Remembering Howie Schwab

Bryan and David start the show by remembering Howie Schwab, who died over the weekend. They reflect on his legacy as a producer, researcher, and the final boss on ‘Stump the Schwab’ (1:00). Then they discuss the Donald Trump trial, at which cameras were barred from the courtroom and Trump struggled to stay awake (9:41). Afterward, they get into upcoming bids for NBA rights (15:56). They then talk about the Summer Olympics, how much of it they'll watch, and who will be featured (27:43). Later, du...

Apr 22, 202450 min

A Sportswriter Introduces Himself to Caitlin Clark, the Trump Trial Isn’t on TV, and NPR-mageddon With Derek Thompson

Hello media consumers! Bryan welcomes a fellow Ringer podcast host, Derek Thompson of ‘Plain English,’ to discuss the following: Donald Trump’s trial not being televised (1:58) A sportswriter “introducing” himself to Caitlin Clark (11:28) Reactions to Uri Berliner’s essay, which details why he can't work for NPR (16:51) Derek's podcast about how boring the 2024 election is (35:45) Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Derek Thompson Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choi...

Apr 18, 202452 min

How the Media Covered O.J., Masters Observations, and The Rock Backs Away From Politics.

Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing Verne Lundquist, who recently called his 40th and final Masters. In turn, Bryan brings up a memory he and Lundquist shared (0:53). Then, they discuss O.J. Simpson, how he became famous, and how the media covered his trial (13:01). They also react to news that broke before recording the show: CNN cancels Gayle King and Charles Barkley's ‘King Charles’ show (33:20), The Rock doesn't endorse President Joe Biden, and more (36:42).Plus, the Overworked T...

Apr 15, 202452 min

Covering the Campaign and Trump’s Third Run for the White House With New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi. Plus: Thoughts on O.J. Simpson and 'Civil War.'

Hello, media consumers! Bryan kicks off the show by discussing O.J. Simpson, who passed away this week (1:24). Later, he is joined by Olivia Nuzzi of New York magazine, who discusses Arizona's status as a swing state (5:16), covering Donald Trump’s third run for the White House (18:05), and more! Before he says goodbye for the weekend, he shares six non-spoiler thoughts on the new movie 'Civil War' (39:08). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Olivia Nuzzi Producers: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your a...

Apr 11, 202448 min

The Post-Norby Era at ESPN, the Magic of Ian Eagle, Eclipse Talk, and Caleb Williams Takes With Chicago Radio Host Danny Parkins

Hello media consumers! Today, Bryan is joined Chicago radio host Danny Parkins. They get into the post-Norby era at ESPN after the longtime executive, Norby Williams, was let go after being with the company since 1985 (1:53). Then, they get into March Madness talk as they discuss Caitlin Clark, Ian Eagle, and more. (13:22). To close the show, Bryan talks to Danny about his career and something really amazing he did in high school (50:02) Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Danny Parkins Producer: Brian H....

Apr 08, 202459 min

Why The Cut Goes Viral, The New York Times Becomes a Gaming Company, Reporters Steal From Air Force One, and the New Netflix Movie 'Scoop' With Amanda Dobbins

On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by The Ringer’s Amanda Dobbins as they discuss the viral first-person essays from The Cut, how it's doing them, and why they’re so compelling (01:56). They also touch on Lachlan Cartwright’s NYT Magazine testimonial on how National Enquirer helped Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign (20:19), The New York Times as a gaming company (29:26), and White House correspondents who have taken things from Air Force One (34:38). After, they give their th...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 2 min

March Madness Fun, Blasting Your Bosses on the Air, LeBron Speaks, and Declaring a Media Apocalypse Too Soon

Bryan catches David up on the Ronna McDaniel–NBC catastrophe (0:50). Then, they get into The Washington Post’s profile on LSU women’s basketball coach, Kim Mulkey (12:37). Afterward, they get into some found sounds from March Madness, including one of the most mind-blowing calls of all time (23:09). In the Notebook Dump they discuss the following: LeBron James’s comments on his upcoming retirement (24:55) Whether or not the Media Apocalypse was declared too soon (28:03), Gannett and McClatchy dr...

Apr 01, 202447 min

One Year Without Evan Gershkovich With Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker

Hello media consumers! Bryan speaks with Emma Tucker, the Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief, on the anniversary of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich's imprisonment in Russia, the type of reporter he is, the charges against him, and more. (3:28). Then, Bryan gives some brief thoughts on the Ronna McDaniel–NBC News affair (20:57). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Emma Tucker Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 202430 min

Reporting the Shohei Ohtani Saga, The Washington Post’s Kim Mulkey Story, and ESPN’s Future With Jason Gay.

Hello media consumers! Bryan welcomes Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal this week as David Shoemaker is out on assignment. They discuss week two of Shohei Ohtani’s saga and how the fanbase of his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, are reacting (2:20). Then they discuss Kim Mulkey’s response to the “unpublished” story coming from The Washington Post (17:04). Lastly, they talk about the new ESPN documentary and what this means as far as the future of the company is concerned (31:17). Host: Br...

Mar 27, 202457 min

LeBron James Is a Podcaster, the Shohei Ohtani Affair, and Covering the Royals with Jay Caspian Kang and Ellie Hall

On the Final Edition, Bryan has two guests for you! First, he speaks with his former teammate Jay Caspian Kang of The New Yorker. They kick off the show by discussing the gambling story involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (1:32). Then they talk about LeBron’s ventures into the podcasting space with JJ Reddick (15:17). Last, they discuss the first round of March Madness and the reaction from Oakland’s head coach Greg Kampe after their upset win over Kentucky (38:40). Then B...

Mar 22, 20241 hr 7 min

The Media Slips Into a Warm Bloodbath, the Craziest Scoops of NFL Free Agency, and the Twilight of Investigative Journalism.

Bryan and David kick off the show discussing a think piece in the Semafor from Max Tani on how hard it is to get a tough story out there (0:52), plus some good news about ‘Sports Illustrated’ (14:12). Then they discuss Donald Trump using the word “bloodbath” while campaigning in Dayton, Ohio (15:50). In the Notebook Dump, they discuss some of the funny tweets surrounding NFL free agency (27:45), as well as ‘New York Times’ obituaries and who meets the bar to get one (31:53), followed by this wee...

Mar 18, 202449 min

Aaron Rodgers 2024, Don Lemon–Elon Musk, the Vibes Beat, and 'The Girls on the Bus' With The Washington Post’s Kara Voght

On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Kara Voght of The Washington Post. They kick off the show with the Venn diagram of sports, politics, and media as they discuss Aaron Rodgers's potential vice presidential candidacy in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (1:50). Then they discuss Don Lemon’s interview with Elon Musk and what led to the end of their partnership (13:20). Later, they give an official review of 'The Girls on the Bus' and discuss how the reporters are portrayed on the show (23:37)...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 3 min

Oscars Observations, a State of the Union U-Turn, a Royal Photo Scandal, and the Fate of ‘Good Morning Football.’

Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing highlights and bad moments from the Oscars (00:56). Then get into this week’s topics, starting with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address (24:04). Then they get into the Notebook Dump with the Royal Photo Scandal and the Princess's response regarding her photo editing skills (38:50), the changes coming to ‘Good Morning Football’ (44:30), and Deadspin’s new owners (52:40). In the Media Piss Test, they react to Donald Trump’s love for Mark...

Mar 11, 20241 hr 1 min

The New York Times Leak Hunt, the Lousy State of NBA Discourse, and the ‘Madame Web’ Anti-Junket With The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner

On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner. They kick off the show by discussin the suggestions that NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama will want to be traded in the future. (1:38). Then they discuss whether or not The New York Times should investigate their own leaks (11:21). Later, they talk about Dakota Johnson trashing her latest movie … while it’s still in theaters (24:31), then talk Super Tuesday coverage on cable news (31:35). Bryan closes out with some rapid fire ...

Mar 07, 202452 min

The Media's Take on Caleb Williams, Remembering Chris Mortensen, the Case of Timothy Burke and Bryan’s Movie Debut

Bryan and David kick off the show with the announcement of Bryan’s movie debut (00:30). Then get into this week’s topics, starting from the NFL scouting combine and a discussion about what the media is saying about quarterback Caleb Williams ahead of the NFL draft (9:22). Afterwards, they discuss the legacy of the late Chris Mortenson (25:40). Later in the notebook dump, they discuss the case of Timothy Burke, the Joe Biden New Yorker profile, the fantasy booking of the Democratic convention, an...

Mar 04, 202455 min

Pitchfork’s Greatest Hits, Joe Biden Does Late Night, Richard Lewis Obits, and Revisiting 'The War Room' With Sean Fennessey

On the final edition, Sean Fennessey, The Ringer’s head of content, joins Bryan. They discuss President Joe Biden’s appearance on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' and how he addressed the concerns of his age (1:27). Then, they discuss Sean’s history with Pitchfork and its era of internet writing (13:32). Later, they discuss a couple of journalists who made headlines this week: Peter King with his departure (32:02) and Jon Stewart with his return (40:02). They also talk about the different Richard L...

Mar 01, 20241 hr 21 min

The Ezra Klein Heat Check, Peter King’s Exit, Vice’s Implosion, and the Allure of the First-Person Essay

Bryan and David return this week with a lot to talk about! First they discuss Ben Smith’s tweet, which could lead to an instant think piece (:42). Then they get into Ezra Klein’s comments about President Joe Biden, comments that Klein says the president's supporters will not like (8:10)! In the notebook dump, they say a couple of farewells—first to Peter King (30:10), then to Vice (39:09). And later, they talk the allure of the first-person essay (45:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the...

Feb 26, 20241 hr

Covering a Campaign Rematch, Media Free Agency, and the Return of Jon Stewart With The New York Times’ Astead Herndon

Covering a TK Campaign, Media Free Agency, and the Return of Jon Stewart With the New York Times’ Astead Herndon On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Astead Herndon—reporter at The New York Times and host of ‘The Run-Up.’ They discuss how the election coverage will change since the Republican primary is ending so early (1:54). They also get into his conversation on ‘The Run-Up’ with an organizer of Free Palestine Charleston, who was a protester at President Biden’s campaign at the Emanuel Af...

Feb 15, 20241 hr 1 min

Super Bowl Broadcast Reactions, the Right Take on Tony Romo, a Report From Vegas, and How to Cover a Well-Meaning, Elderly Man

Bryan is back from Las Vegas after covering the Super Bowl, and he shares his observations with David (0:53). They discuss the broadcast, including when Tony Romo sang Adele (21:46), Jim Nantz’s game-winning call (27:43), how Phil Simms botched his own prediction (31:30), and more. Later, they talk about President Biden’s back-and-forth with Fox’s Peter Doocy (42:47). Plus, Only in Journalism, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: ...

Feb 13, 20241 hr 1 min
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