NASCAR’s popular media coverage at risk? Fans of the sport might be surprised to learn that the journalists who bring them the latest news are now fighting for their rights. Recently, some of NASCAR’s top reporters have come together to protest against what they see as unfair treatment in the workplace. What’s going on behind the scenes?
Key Highlights
- NASCAR journalists, including Jeff Gluck, protest The New York Times’ inequitable treatment of employees via social media.
- Journalists change profile pictures to “Sports Jobs=Times Guild Jobs” in solidarity with protesting colleagues.
- Discontent stems from The New York Times’ lack of recognition for The Athletic’s contributions.
- Over 200 employees at The Athletic seek formal union recognition for better job security and benefits.
- The protest highlights discrepancies between The New York Times’ branding and treatment of its sports journalists.
The Athletic’s Unique NASCAR Coverage
The Athletic has carved out a distinctive niche in the domain of NASCAR journalism, offering coverage that resonates with both die-hard fans and casual observers. Renowned for its insightful and thorough reporting, The Athletic excels in delivering content that goes beyond the superficial, tapping into the intricate dynamics of NASCAR racing.
At the forefront of this effort is Jeff Gluck, whose creative approach has redefined how audiences engage with the sport. His renowned race polls, which follow every NASCAR event, provide a platform for fan interaction, capturing the core of public sentiment and enriching the narrative surrounding each race.
Complementing his polls, Gluck’s “12 Questions” interviews offer an unparalleled glimpse into the lives and careers of beloved racers. These interviews, characterized by their depth and personal insights, allow fans to connect with drivers on a more intimate level, nurturing a deeper appreciation for the sport.
Alongside Jordan Bianchi, Gluck further extends his influence through the engaging Teardown podcast. The podcast, a staple for NASCAR enthusiasts, explores race analysis and industry trends, providing listeners with expert perspectives on the latest developments within the sport.
Despite their contributions, Gluck and Bianchi’s work has not received the recognition it deserves from The Athletic’s parent company, The New York Times. This oversight highlights a disconnect between the exceptional content produced by these journalists and the broader corporate acknowledgment.
Nevertheless, The Athletic’s unique NASCAR coverage continues to thrive, driven by the dedication and expertise of its journalists, who remain committed to elevating the sport’s narrative.
The New York Times’ Buyout of The Athletic
Amid the evolving landscape of sports journalism, The New York Times‘ acquisition of The Athletic in 2022 for $550 million marked a substantial change in its coverage approach. This move was not merely a financial transaction but a tactical maneuver to consolidate sports reporting under a singular, robust platform.
By purchasing The Athletic, The New York Times signaled its intent to expand its digital presence and engage a broader audience, capitalizing on The Athletic’s reputation for in-depth and specialized sports coverage, including their highly-regarded NASCAR journalism.
In July 2023, The New York Times ceased operations of its own sports section, entrusting The Athletic to serve as its exclusive sports hub. This decision highlighted a commitment to streamline resources, focusing on areas where The Athletic excels, such as providing extensive and expert analyses that are not typically found in traditional sports sections.
However, this shift has not been without its challenges. While The Times Guild has benefited from this realignment, The Athletic’s employees have voiced concerns over discriminatory practices, emphasizing a discord between the two entities.
Furthermore, the integration has led to friction, particularly among journalists covering niche sports like stock car racing, who find themselves vying for recognition and equitable treatment within the larger framework of The Times Guild.
These journalists endeavor to secure crucial benefits and resources necessary to maintain the high standards of reporting that The Athletic is known for. As the sports journalism world continues to evolve, these dynamics reveal the complexities inherent in merging distinct journalistic cultures under a single corporate umbrella.
Employee Grievances Against The New York Times
Numerous grievances have surfaced as employees at The Athletic navigate their complex relationship with The New York Times. Despite the promising influx of approximately one million paying subscribers following the 2022 acquisition, the reality for many employees has been less than favorable. Several key issues have arisen, pointing out the need for improved working conditions and benefits.
- Healthcare Changes: A notable point of contention was the unexpected change in healthcare providers implemented by The New York Times. This alteration occurred without prior notification, leaving employees to adapt to new healthcare plans abruptly.
- Job Security Concerns: The dismissal of 20 employees in June 2023 has raised alarms regarding job security within The Athletic’s ranks. This move has contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among the workforce.
- Union Recognition: In an effort to address these concerns, The Athletic’s 200 employees have formally requested recognition as part of the NewsGuild of New York. This action emphasizes their desire for union protections and benefits, aligning them with other New York Times Guild members.
- Professional Equity: Renowned investigative reporter Katie Strang articulated the sentiment that their work deserves the same level of acknowledgment and security as that of their peers. The demand for equal treatment within the organizational structure is a central theme in the ongoing dialogue between employees and management.
“The work we do is union work and we believe we should be afforded the same benefits and protections as the Times Guild members under their current contract.” – Katie Strang
NASCAR Journalists Join the Protest
As employee grievances against The New York Times continue to mount, NASCAR journalists have added their voices to the growing chorus of discontent. In a bold show of solidarity with their peers, prominent figures within the NASCAR journalism community, such as Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction. By changing their Twitter profile pictures to feature the powerful slogan “Sports Jobs=Times Guild Jobs,” they are signaling their steadfast support for their fellow colleagues at The Athletic, who are seeking fair recognition and treatment.
WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS! Today, workers from @TheAthletic sent a letter to Times management calling on them to recognize Athletic editorial workers as members of the Times Guild. We are thrilled to have them in our union. pic.twitter.com/mgJgoNVo0B
— NYTimesGuild (@NYTimesGuild) January 6, 2025
The discontent among these journalists is not unfounded. Their colleague, Rossi, succinctly encapsulated the core of the issue by pointing out the discrepancy between the branding and the realities faced by employees. Rossi highlighted that while their stories now reside on The Times’ website and their paychecks bear the publication’s name, they remain unable to claim affiliation with The New York Times in a professional capacity.
“They changed our URLs so our stories are now on the Times’ website… Changed our paychecks that now say The New York Times. They changed everything to The New York Times except that we are not allowed to say we work for The New York Times… There are 200-plus Athletic people in the United States who are essentially working for The New York Times.” – Rossi
This paradox highlights a critical issue: over 200 Athletic employees in the United States effectively contribute to the operations of The New York Times, yet they are denied the acknowledgment that would typically accompany such an affiliation.
The NASCAR journalists’ involvement in this protest highlights the depth of the shared frustration over the lack of transparency and recognition. Their actions go beyond personal grievances, representing a collective stance against what they perceive as inequitable treatment.
Hope for The Athletic’s Unionization Effort
Optimistically, the ongoing unionization effort at The Athletic represents a guiding ray of hope for its employees seeking equity and recognition. Drawing inspiration from past successes, this movement is reinforced by the precedents set by other similar initiatives.
Particularly, the unionization of Wirecutter employees after its acquisition by The New York Times in 2017, and the subsequent benefits secured, serve as a compelling proof of the power of collective action. These accomplishments have laid a solid foundation, illustrating the potential for meaningful change within media organizations.
The Athletic’s expedition mirrors several aspects of previous efforts, which have yielded positive outcomes:
- Historical Precedence: The Times’ agreement with Wirecutter employees in 2021 led to pay raises, capped healthcare costs, and further guarantees, indicating that sustained efforts can yield substantial benefits.
- Strength in Unity: Over 600 tech workers at The Times illustrated the power of collective bargaining by securing a considerable contract after a prolonged battle, underscoring the importance of solidarity.
- Influential Support: The backing from Times colleagues, exemplified by the Times Guild’s unit council letter, strengthens The Athletic’s position, showing the critical role of internal alliances.
- Legal Expertise: The involvement of seasoned legal experts, such as Jeffrey Kessler, who have navigated complex antitrust cases, highlights the tactical advantage of experienced advocacy in achieving union goals.
As The Athletic’s employees push forward, buoyed by historical successes and robust support, the prospects for securing equitable conditions seem promising.
This unionization effort not only aims to improve workplace rights but also serves as a guiding star for other media entities grappling with similar challenges.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s Popular Media Coverage at Risk
The convergence of NASCAR journalists in protest against The New York Times highlights considerable unrest within the media landscape, bringing attention to grievances stemming from its acquisition of The Athletic. This collective action reflects broader discontent over employee treatment and amplifies calls for The Athletic’s unionization, which is perceived as a potential remedy for perceived inequities. The situation accentuates the critical need for improved labor relations and transparent communication, as stakeholders endeavor to balance corporate interests with journalistic integrity and employee welfare.
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