The NFL’s market share in broadcasting and sports media continues to shrink, with the latest blow hitting fans’ beloved show, “Around the NFL.” The league’s media body decided to scrap the show, which Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, and Marc Sessler hosted.
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A show that was known for breaking down the latest football news with a humorous take, in an easy to understand manner. Justifiably, fans are not taking the news well. ATN pod ran for over a decade, developing a following not only in the States, but also creating a cult fanbase in foreign markets such as London, Ireland, and New Zealand.
And now the much loved show will be replaced by “NFL Daily”, also hosted by Rosenthal. This is part of a series of cuts that have plagued the network, including the cancellation of “NFL Total Access” after 21 years.
Talents like Michael Irvin, Andrew Siciliano, James Palmer, Melissa Stark, and Will Selva departed the network. Additionally, the company moved its “Good Morning Football” program from New York to Los Angeles. There is a clear pattern to these cuts, as they are phasing out opinionated content in favor of rankings and stat-based programming.
The NFL is making substantial money from its TV deals, which is why they are more than willing to let the content side of things take a dip. “Around the NFL” was regularly ranked among Apple Podcasts’ top ten pro football shows and was a nominee this year for iHeartMedia’s Best Sports Podcast. The reasons for cutting them off does not make much sense.
The show developed a strong fanbase on social media platforms for its credible analysis, a quality that other shows lack. Most of the channel’s shows were easily accessible to fans, unlike many other podcasts.
Fans are unhappy about this announcement and the league’s continued deprivation of proper analysis. The decision to scrap the show received unfavorable reactions from the NFL world.
NFL Fans Enraged Over Around the NFL Overhaul
Everyone from the NFL World including other analysts, head of the league’s UK office Henry Hodgson, fans, and even Greg Rosenthal expressed their thoughts on the matter. Hodgson stated that the show was the result of sweat and passion of the people involved and this helped the fans in the UK to get closer to the NFL.
NFL analyst Lindsey can’t seem to wrap her head around the NFL’s new policy of removing valuable original content from its network for some frivolous catchy content. Other fans called it a blunder on the part of the NFL to cancel their only redeemable aspect. Many fans called for future content put on air by the network and urged fans to look for a new podcast. Fans stated,
It’s tragic to see something that was built through the passion and friendship of the four heroes end like this. The @AroundTheNFL podcast helped @NFLUKIRE fans get closer to the NFL. While this marks the end of this chapter, I know my friends have something great cooking. https://t.co/ukN8d91NvE pic.twitter.com/3ks5Lx1BlC
— Henry Hodgson (@nflukhank) July 8, 2024
NFL Analyst chimed in and wrote,
Not sure what the NFL is doing with doing away with original content and valued opinions on its platform.
They’re bound and determined to force-feed football fans Mount Rushmore, power rankings, and just bullshit list-type content with no real analysis or explanation from…
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) July 8, 2024
A user commented,
The @NFL is a corporate horror but it was redeemed by one of the great podcasts, Around the NFL, where amazing chemistry and knowledge combined to create something special. @DanHanzus is a great host, @MarcSessler the beating heart. So obviously the NFL has axed the show – brain…
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) July 8, 2024
Someone stated,
Boycotting anything put out by @NFLMedia
Just an absolutely mind-boggling, moronic decision to end Around the NFL at all, let alone in the manner they did it. Can’t wait to see what comes next for you guys and I know you’ll crush it @DanHanzus @MarcSessler
— Maestro (@nssmdrew2) July 8, 2024
Others said,
turning @AroundTheNFL into NFL Daily is one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever seen in media. Completely misunderstands the appeal of the show.
Time to find a new podcast.
— Joe Ragazzo (@JRagazzo) July 7, 2024
The league’s media will continue to scrap more shows. The league and Disney are on the verge of discussing a potential deal with ESPN, where the media giants will take over NFL Media properties, including the TV network and digital programs. Apple’s iHeartMedia has already started to distribute the league’s existing podcasts.
The first episode of the revamped show which will now be “NFL Daily” will be aired soon and the Network’s Patrick Claybon and The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue will join Rosenthal.
