Tyler R. Tynes named L.A. Times sports culture critic

Tyler R. Tynes named L.A. Times sports culture critic - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

 

Honestly don't know this, so help me:

What is a "sports culture critic?"

 

Basically, he writes about the intersection of sports, culture, politics and more. The opposite of "stick to sports."

Tynes' rise has been pretty quick here - Writing for The Ringer in 2019 and 2020, GQ in 2021, and now to the L.A. Times. His voice and writing are pretty unique, but his stuff at The Ringer always felt like he needed a heavier editing hand. His 2020 podcast series on Cam Newton was mocked frequently on the Simmons Reddit for including the line, "I even got to sit and talk with the man himself."

 

I saw that (idiotic) description of "at the intersection of ..."

I guess "sports culture critic" is just a glorified, hip-trendy name for a features-takeout-opinion writer. Never have heard of him. Guess I'll check out his work.

 

Didn't the Times try this before, only to have to cam the writer for plagiarism?

 

Seems to be a very good example of a writer establishing themselves as "a brand" (yeah, I hate that word too), but it seems clear he brings a lot of value to a media company, reaching audiences in different ways and having a specific and unique voice.

But good luck finding sports culture in LA.

 

Tyler is pretty good. Have enjoyed his work over the years and thought his run at GQ (albeit, a short one) was good.

I'd say it's a sizable loss for GQ, but I remember looking at the bylines on a recent issue and the bulk were freelancers. The U.S. edition has been pretty thin recently. I've actually thought Esquire has made a strong resurgence after the post-Granger wobble.

 

LZ Granderson was hired for the position in 2019 but it appears he’s an op-Ed columnist now.

https://www.latimes.com/people/lz-granderson

 

One thing the LA Times has figured out - at least digitally - they are competing against every publication in the world and you NEED to have unique content and voices.

 

I imagine this is what you are referring to.
Los Angeles Times Sports Columnist Arash Markazi Resigns After Investigation Into Ethical Breaches, Plagiarism (thewrap.com)

 

Writers have done this before. Howard Bryant is one. It's not a new aspect, just a new designation.