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Sports Illustrated layoffs

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by silvercharm, Oct 3, 2019.

Page 19 of 68
  1. playthrough

    playthrough Moderator Staff Member

    WATN isn't anywhere near what it used to be, and that's disappointing considering it's an evergreen issue that can be worked on all year. My favorite item from its glory days was when they'd take a team photo and update the whereabouts of every person, from the stars to the coaches to the trainers.
     
    playthrough, Nov 15, 2019
    #217
  2. Double Down

    Double Down Well-Known Member

    I just don’t see how they have the money to get in that game. Streaming rights already go for millions and will soon go for billions. One of SI’s biggest problems in the last 20 years has been its terrible website. If you were a professional sports league and could choose between streaming on Amazon or Apple or ESPN+ I don’t see how you could pick SI. Or see how Disney wouldn’t just outbid them to help kill them off.
     
    Double Down, Nov 15, 2019
    #218
  3. Azrael

    Azrael Well-Known Member

    SI has been a bust on the digital/TV/electronica side for decades. Never got the hang of it.

    Does no one remember CNN/SI?

    First order of current business has to be a website overhaul.

    Ownership would be smart to monetize the old content, too. Charge for the vault. And republish the classics in a series of nicely bound keepsake editions - while the readership who cares about legacy SI is still alive to buy them.
     
    Azrael, Nov 16, 2019
    #219
  4. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    I think you have all of this very right. Streaming live sports, at least sports that are going to draw any kind of audience, would require hefty licensing or rights fees, as you said. On top of it, it's not like you just say, "OK, we'll broadcast major sports, pay up, and just get those rights." There's bidding, but the leagues are also trying to partner with people strategically. SI has a name with recognition built up over a long time, but there is not much left to it other than the name.

    Which is probably why it has been sold twice in two years, and even though the last buyer paid a still-decent chunk of cash for it, it really was only interested in the publication's name and reputation, not in the publication itself.

    One thing about the company (Authentic Brands) that bought SI from Meredith, though. ... we're all focused on TheMaven, which is licensing the name from Authentic Brands. When the original deal went through, though, Authentic Brands did say that they were interested in slapping the SI name on live events and sports gambling and e-sports. I never heard anything more about it. I have no idea what exactly they had in mind, or if they still intend to follow through with anything like that (or if they already have). ... or if what they ended up doing with TheMaven gives it an exclusive license that would preclude any other ways for the owners to bludgeon the SI name.
     
    The Big Ragu, Nov 16, 2019
    #220
  5. Lugnuts

    Lugnuts Well-Known Member

    Well I think you put together a legit business plan and seek VC money, then you start small.

    But look-- it's just an idea on how to save a beloved brand. The more practicing sports journalists there are out there, the better.

    I think it's just too late.
     
    Lugnuts, Nov 16, 2019
    #221
  6. Lugnuts

    Lugnuts Well-Known Member

    Lugnuts, Nov 22, 2019
    #222
  7. Marvin

    Marvin Active Member

    This got ignored before, so I'll ask it again with a little more.

    How many people were actually laid off?
    What were their positions?
    ... and after thinking about it, how much were they making?

    I find it hard to believe that with all the talented people at SI that no one has yet to put together a list of who got cut. I've seen estimates ranging from 20 people to half the newsroom. What exactly are we talking about here?
    Plus Pat Forde got added. Has anyone else been hired?
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2019
    Marvin, Nov 22, 2019
    #223
  8. ondeadline

    ondeadline Well-Known Member

    Here's APSE's list:
    Sports Illustrated layoffs included Mary Agnant, Scooby Axson, Ben Baskin, Kellen Becoats, Andy Benoit, Charlotte Carroll, John De Petro, Jacob Feldman, Jake Fischer, Dan Greene, Paul Lukas, Mark McClusky, Mark Mravic, Joan Niesen, Josh Oshinsky, DeAntae Prince, Tiffany Oshinsky, Daniel Rapaport, Tim Rohan, Khadrice Rollins, Jorge Ruiz, David Sanchirico, Andrew Sharp, Jon Taylor, and Bryce Wood. Sports Illustrated managing editor Chris Stone announced his departure prior to the layoffs. B.W. Carlin announced his departure from Sports Illustrated to work for the XFL.
     
    ondeadline, Nov 22, 2019
    #224
  9. DanOregon

    DanOregon Well-Known Member

    The XFL or SI - that's a coin-flip.
     
    DanOregon, Nov 23, 2019
    #225
  10. Marvin

    Marvin Active Member

    So we're talking about 25 people, right?
     
    Marvin, Nov 23, 2019
    #226
  11. ondeadline

    ondeadline Well-Known Member

    I don't know that APSE's list is complete.
     
    ondeadline, Nov 23, 2019
    #227
  12. Moderator1

    Moderator1 Moderator Staff Member

    It is not
     
    Moderator1, Nov 23, 2019
    #228
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