The Press Box Ohio State and Barstool, the Great Film Critic Shortage, and the MS NOW Acronym Challenge. Plus: Michael M. Grynbaum on the Past and Future of Condé Nast.
18 snips
Aug 26, 2025 Michael M. Grynbaum, a New York Times media correspondent and author of 'Empire of the Elite,' dives into the rich history of Condé Nast, illuminating its role in shaping American media with iconic publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair. He discusses the company's struggles in the digital age and the transformative influence of figures like Tina Brown and Anna Wintour. The conversation also touches on the decline of local film critics, emphasizing the challenges faced by traditional journalism amidst evolving media landscapes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Chicago Tribune Eliminated Its Film Critic
- Michael Phillips announced the Chicago Tribune eliminated the film critic post and he took a buyout.
- Hosts note Chicago lost its full-time print film critic despite its Siskel and Ebert legacy.
Local Critics Gave Essential Consumer Guidance
- Hosts argue local film critics offered essential consumer guidance that the internet hasn't fully replaced.
- David Shoemaker says Rotten Tomatoes and online voices don't wholly substitute a trusted local critic's verdict.
Keep One Versatile Cultural Critic
- Consider hiring a single versatile cultural critic rather than multiple narrow specialists.
- David Shoemaker suggests a modern critic should cover movies, theater, and broader culture to maximize value.
