The CBS Disaster and NFL Sound, The New Yorker Turns 100, and More Tales of Journalistic Failure
Digest
This podcast episode covers a wide range of topics. It begins by examining The New Yorker magazine's centennial, its unique place in journalism, and its future leadership. The discussion then shifts to Tom Brady's foray into broadcasting, analyzing his strengths and weaknesses as a commentator during the NFL playoffs. A significant portion focuses on an unusual NFL referee call involving a "palpably unfair act" and the ensuing debate about the rule. The episode also delves into the use of pun-based bumper music during NFL broadcasts, sparking a discussion about its effectiveness. Listener-submitted stories about journalistic failures add a humorous and insightful element. Finally, the podcast concludes with speculation about Tom Brady's broadcasting future and the Dallas Cowboys' coaching change, incorporating the hosts' signature "Strained Punnheadland" segment.
Outlines

The New Yorker and Tom Brady's Broadcasting Debut
This segment explores The New Yorker's enduring legacy and its future, including potential successors to David Remnick. It then analyzes Tom Brady's performance as a football broadcaster, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.

NFL Controversies and Bumper Music
This section discusses the unusual "palpably unfair act" call in an NFL game, examining the rule and its implications. It also explores the trend of pun-based bumper music during NFL broadcasts.

Tom Brady's Future and Dallas Cowboys Coaching Change
This segment discusses Tom Brady's potential extended broadcasting career and the surprising announcement of Brian Schottenheimer as the Dallas Cowboys' new head coach.

Listener Stories and "Strained Punnheadland"
This section features listener-submitted anecdotes about journalistic failures, followed by the regular "Strained Punnheadland" segment featuring witty headlines.

Journalistic Reflections and Wordplay
This combined segment covers listener stories of journalistic mishaps and the humorous "Strained Punnheadland" segment, showcasing the lighter side of the podcast.

Concluding Thoughts
A brief wrap-up of the key discussion points from the episode.
Keywords
The New Yorker
A long-standing American magazine known for its in-depth journalism and sophisticated writing style.
Tom Brady
Former NFL quarterback and current Fox broadcaster.
NFL Playoffs
The postseason tournament in American football.
NFL Referee Controversies
Discussions surrounding controversial calls and rule interpretations in NFL games.
Bumper Music
Music played during commercial breaks in television broadcasts.
Journalistic Failure
Instances where journalistic endeavors fall short of expectations.
Palpably Unfair Act
An NFL rule penalizing excessively unsportsmanlike conduct.
David Remnick
Long-time editor of The New Yorker magazine.
Brian Schottenheimer
New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Q&A
What are the key challenges facing The New Yorker as it enters its second century?
Balancing traditional values with digital demands and finding a suitable successor to David Remnick.
What were the strengths and weaknesses of Tom Brady's broadcasting performance?
Strengths: insightful commentary; Weaknesses: excessive talking, generic phrases.
What was the significance of the "palpably unfair act" call?
It highlighted repeated encroachment penalties and sparked discussion about the rule's impact.
Is there a "bumper music crisis" in the NFL?
The discussion focuses more on a noticeable trend of pun-based music than a crisis.
Show Notes
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing The New Yorker turning 100 and what it has been throughout time (0:00 ). Then they get into the sounds of the NFL playoffs:
- Strangest moment from the Eagles-Commanders … from the referee (32:00 )
- Tom Brady on his future in the broadcast booth (40:34 )
- The CBS disaster with the phantom flag in the Bills-Chiefs game (44:12 )
Then in the Notebook Dump they follow up Thursday’s episode of how failed profiles came apart with a couple of stories from listeners (50:32 ).
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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