Deadspin Sold Staff Laid Off
Deadspin, a well-known sports and culture publication, is facing a major shakeup as its entire editorial staff has been let go. This development comes after a tumultuous period marked by the website's controversial coverage tactics. According to reports, Deadspin's owner, G/O Media, transferred ownership of the publication to a newcomer in the digital media scene, Lineup Publishing. This move is part of a bigger strategy by G/O Media, which was taken over by Great Hill Partners in 2019, to divest from its holdings and appease investors seeking returns.
The news of the sale was revealed in a memo sent to employees by G/O Media's CEO, Jim Spanfeller, on Monday. In the memo, Spanfeller announced that none of Deadspin's current employees would be moving to the new owner, as Lineup Publishing plans to assemble a fresh team that aligns with their own editorial direction for the brand. This decision has resulted in the termination of several employees at G/O Media. It is the third time in less than a year that the company has gone through layoffs, reflecting the challenging financial situation at the organization.
The end of zombie Deadspin, the publication that attempted to portray a young kid dressed in Chiefs gear as a racist. https://t.co/MfgucBrMUJ
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) March 11, 2024
The decision to sell Deadspin came from Lineup Publishing's expressed interest in acquiring the website. According to the CEO's memo, it was not a proactive move by G/O Media to sell the site. Spanfeller also shared the rationale behind the sale, which included the buyer's editorial plans for the brand, intense competition in the sports journalism sector, and a valuation that presented a significant premium from the original purchase price.
Lineup Publishing has expressed its intention to be respectful of Deadspin's unique voice but plans to take a different approach to the content. Specifically, the new owners have indicated that they will have a unique focus on sports coverage, which differs from Deadspin's current content. This change has possibly resulted in the decision to let go of the current editorial staff, as the new owner may be looking to start fresh with a team that aligns with their vision for the brand.
Deadspin published a hit piece on a little kid for wearing face paint of his team colors.
They even used a camera angle to make it look like he was wearing blackface.
I hope he sues them into oblivion. pic.twitter.com/DsBkEUdsgb
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 27, 2023
Deadspin has been known for its controversial takes on sports and culture, which have often sparked debate and criticism. However, the website came under fire last year for an article published after a broadcast of a Kansas City Chiefs game. The article accused a young fan, sporting a Native American headdress and face paint in the team's colors, of wearing "blackface." The claim was quickly scrutinized for its lack of context and understanding of the situation. Critics accused Deadspin of baselessly attacking a child simply celebrating his favorite football team.
The incident drew comparisons to previous media controversies, such as the Nicholas Sandmann case, where a young man successfully sued major media outlets for defamation. With this in mind, some may see the sale of Deadspin as a strategic move by G/O Media to distance itself from potential controversy and liability. However, others may view it as a loss for diversity in the sports media landscape, as Deadspin was known for its unique and strong editorial voice.
Shame on you trying to ruin a young child’s life. Hope he sues you for defamation. https://t.co/XAyenORfQ6
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 28, 2023
In recent months, G/O Media has been undergoing a restructuring and streamlining process, which has resulted in a reduction of its workforce and divestment from several sites. Last November, the company ceased operations of Jezebel, a brand targeting female audiences, and laid off 23 editorial employees. These actions reflect the company's efforts to cut costs and improve efficiency, as it seeks to satisfy its investors and remain competitive in the digital media market.
It is unclear at this time what the fate of Deadspin will be under its new ownership. However, the termination of the entire editorial staff has raised concerns about the future of the publication and its editorial direction. It remains to be seen how Lineup Publishing will shape Deadspin's content and what this means for its readers and followers. Nevertheless, the sale of Deadspin and the subsequent layoffs mark a significant shift in the digital media landscape and raise questions about the sustainability and profitability of online publications.