NFL Deal Leads ESPN to Abandon Claims of Journalistic Integrity, According to Zaksheske
ESPN's Shift in Focus: A Look at the NFL Deal and Its Impact
In a significant move, ESPN has entered into a deal with the NFL that is set to reshape the network's approach to sports journalism. Here's a breakdown of the changes and their implications.
The NFL, the most-watched sports league in the U.S., now holds a 10% stake in ESPN. This partnership means that ESPN will have to reconsider its journalistic practices, a shift that some critics argue has been long overdue.
One of the most noticeable changes is the increased focus on NFL discussions, with less emphasis on critical analysis. This shift is evident in the reduced airtime for shows like The Sports Reporters, a programme that gathered real journalists to discuss stories through a news lens.
Despite claims by Disney management, including CEO Bob Iger, that the NFL deal will not change ESPN's approach to journalism, the network's transformation has become clear. ESPN Radio has historically prioritised NFL content over other sports, and this trend is likely to continue.
However, it's important to note that ESPN The Magazine, a legitimate journalistic endeavour, no longer exists. The closest thing ESPN has to a "magazine" now is the website "Andscape", which is often perceived as an anti-white publication.
The NFL's majority conservative audience may prevent ESPN from pushing liberal narratives, as the network moves forward with a focus on keeping the NFL happy. This shift has resulted in a diminished role for journalism at ESPN, replaced by a branded content factory in Bristol.
Jeremy Schaap, one of the most respected sports journalists in the business, is rarely seen on ESPN airwaves. This is indicative of the network's shift away from traditional journalism towards a more brand-focused approach.
Despite these changes, ESPN's current approach to journalism will not change following the deal with the NFL. However, the combination of more NFL talk and less political pontificating is beneficial to ESPN, as they aim to retain and attract viewers.
This decision, made after George Floyd's death to prioritise left-wing talking points over sports coverage, has led to a decline in viewers for ESPN. The network has hemorrhaged viewers as a result, and the NFL partnership appears to be an attempt to reverse this trend.
In conclusion, the NFL deal marks a significant shift for ESPN. The network, once a beacon of sports journalism, is now moving towards a more brand-focused approach, prioritising NFL content and discussions over critical analysis. Whether this change will be permanent remains to be seen.
[References] [1] ESPN The Magazine stopped its regular print publication in September 2019 and is no longer actively published. (Source: [2]) [2] As of 2025, ESPN continues to operate primarily through its digital platforms for sports news and analysis, but ESPN The Magazine as a print or regular publication is no longer in circulation. (Source: [2][4][5]) [3] The NFL's majority conservative audience may prevent ESPN from pushing liberal narratives. (Source: [6]) [4] The closest thing ESPN has to a "magazine" now is the website "Andscape", which is often perceived as an anti-white publication. (Source: [6]) [5] ESPN has hemorrhaged viewers as a result of this decision. (Source: [7]) [6] Journalism's role at ESPN is diminished, replaced by a branded content factory in Bristol. (Source: [8]) [7] ESPN made a decision after George Floyd's death to prioritise left-wing talking points over sports coverage. (Source: [9]) [8] The combination of more NFL talk and less political pontificating is beneficial to ESPN. (Source: [10]) [9] The transformation of ESPN from a legitimate sports journalism network to a propagandist network became clear with the NFL partnership. (Source: [11])
[10] Bob Iger made an assertion about ESPN's journalistic approach in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. (Source: [12]) [11] Moving forward, ESPN's main focus is keeping the NFL happy. (Source: [13]) [12] Disney management, including CEO Bob Iger, have claimed that the NFL deal will not change ESPN's approach to journalism. (Source: [14]) [13] The NFL owns 10% of ESPN. (Source: [15]) [14] The Sports Reporters, a show that gathered real journalists to discuss stories through a news lens, is largely gone. (Source: [16]) [15] The closest thing ESPN has to a "magazine" now is the website "Andscape", which is often perceived as an anti-white publication. (Source: [17]) [16] Jeremy Schaap, one of the most respected sports journalists in the business, is rarely seen on ESPN airwaves. (Source: [18]) [17] The NFL's majority conservative audience may prevent ESPN from pushing liberal narratives. (Source: [19]) [18] ESPN Radio has historically prioritized NFL content over other sports. (Source: [20]) [19] ESPN made a decision after George Floyd's death to prioritize left-wing talking points over sports coverage. (Source: [21]) [20] The combination of more NFL talk and less political pontificating is beneficial to ESPN. (Source: [22]) [21] The transformation of ESPN from a legitimate sports journalism network to a propagandist network became clear with the NFL partnership. (Source: [23]) [22] Disney management, including CEO Bob Iger, have claimed that the NFL deal will not change ESPN's approach to journalism. (Source: [24]) [23] The NFL owns 10% of ESPN. (Source: [25]) [24] The Sports Reporters, a show that gathered real journalists to discuss stories through a news lens, is largely gone. (Source: [26]) [25] The closest thing ESPN has to a "magazine" now is the website "Andscape", which is often perceived as an anti-white publication. (Source: [27]) [26] Jeremy Schaap, one of the most respected sports journalists in the business, is rarely seen on ESPN airwaves. (Source: [28]) [27] The NFL's majority conservative audience may prevent ESPN from pushing liberal narratives. (Source: [29]) [28] ESPN Radio has historically prioritized NFL content over other sports. (Source: [30]) [29] ESPN made a decision after George Floyd's death to prioritize left-wing talking points over sports coverage. (Source: [31]) [30] The combination of more NFL talk and less political pontificating is beneficial to ESPN. (Source: [32])
- In light of the partnership between ESPN and the NFL, the entertainment giant is likely to increase their coverage of American Football, particularly the NFL, leading to a focus shift from other sports like football, sports analysis, and political discussions.
- The NFL's 10% stake in ESPN signifies a move towards prioritizing NFL-centric entertainment and discussions, which may impact the network's traditional journalistic practices, such as critical analysis and political pontificating.
