Bryan and David respond to The Verge’s announcement that they're changing their “on background” policy (1:00) before assessing whether or not People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” has any remaining cultural relevance (23:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producer: Bobby Wagner
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Have We Lost the Meaning of “On Background”?

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

Sports

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

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 Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producer: Brian H. Waters
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How the Media Covered O.J., Masters Observations, and The Rock Backs Away From Politics.

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 

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

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 thoughts on Netflix’s latest film, ‘Scoop,’ about Prince Andrew’s infamous BBC interview and discuss their appreciation for procedural newsroom stories (38:35).
Then, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.
Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Amanda Dobbins
Producer: Eduardo Ocampo
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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

Have We Lost the Meaning of “On Background”?

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