Erine Johnson Talks Social Media's Impact On Inside The NBA | 3/26/25

Summary

In this conversation, the speakers reflect on the evolution of media and how social media has transformed the way people consume content, particularly in sports. They discuss the shift from traditional shows like SportsCenter to short clips shared on platforms like social media. The speakers express gratitude for not having social media during their earlier careers, as it allowed them to perform without worrying about immediate feedback. Personal moments of recognition from celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Denzel Washington reveal the unexpected reach and popularity of their work.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shift from traditional TV shows like SportsCenter to social media clips has changed how people consume sports content.
• 😀 Social media has made sports content more accessible, allowing people to watch clips at their convenience, rather than staying up late to watch full shows.
• 😀 The show host notes that, unlike earlier times when feedback was delayed, social media now provides instant reactions to content, both positive and negative.
• 😀 The speed of social media feedback has created a new dynamic for TV shows, where reactions are immediate and public.
• 😀 The hosts express relief that they didn't have social media feedback during their early years, as it allowed them to perform without the pressure of immediate audience reactions.
• 😀 There was a time when hosts wouldn’t know how their content was received until reviews or comments appeared in print or through media reports.
• 😀 The hosts appreciate that people enjoyed their work even without knowing how popular they were at the time.
• 😀 One host shares an anecdote of realizing the show had a following when celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Murray quoted their lines.
• 😀 Another host recounts a moment when Denzel Washington expressed admiration for their show, which was a surprise and an eye-opener to the show's reach.
• 😀 The conversation reflects on how their show, originally created without knowing the audience size or reach, eventually gained recognition in unexpected ways.

Q & A

How has social media changed the way people consume sports content?

Social media has made sports content more accessible, allowing people to watch clips on platforms instead of waiting for scheduled broadcasts like SportsCenter. This shift allows fans to view highlights on their own time, making traditional shows like SportsCenter less central to sports viewing.

How did the shift from traditional sports broadcasts to social media affect TNT's show?

The shift to social media didn't drastically affect the TNT show itself, but it did make the content more accessible for people who couldn't stay up late to watch the show live. The rise of clips on social media allowed a wider audience to engage with the content.

How did the experience of knowing the audience's reception of a show change over time?

In the past, people didn't know how their shows were received until later, often relying on media coverage. Today, instant feedback is available through social media, allowing hosts and personalities to know immediately if they are being praised or criticized.

What was the experience of not having instant social media feedback like for the show's hosts?

The hosts reflected that without social media, they didn’t know immediately how their work was received. They were able to perform without the constant pressure of real-time reactions, and it allowed them to focus more on their job.

What was one of the first signs that the show had a significant following?

One of the first signs came when the host attended the ESPYs and was approached by celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Murray, who recited lines from the show, signaling that it was widely watched and appreciated.

How did Denzel Washington’s recognition of the show's host impact the host?

Denzel Washington recognizing the host and mentioning that he watched the show all the time made a significant impact, highlighting the broad reach of the show and serving as a reminder that even big celebrities were among the show's viewers.

What did the hosts mean when they said they were 'doing their job' despite not focusing on likes or social media attention?

They meant that their primary goal was to do their work well, not for the praise or likes from social media. They were focused on the quality of their performance rather than seeking validation from online reactions.

What is the significance of not knowing ratings or audience feedback for the show’s hosts?

Not knowing ratings or audience feedback allowed the hosts to focus purely on their work, without the anxiety of how it would be received. This detachment from immediate audience reaction allowed them to perform more authentically and naturally.

How did the hosts feel about the world of social media affecting their content?

The hosts acknowledged that the world had changed with the rise of social media, making things more instantaneous, and that it was a different environment from the one they initially worked in. However, they seemed to embrace it, understanding that it was part of the evolving media landscape.

What role did social media clips play in how fans consume sports content compared to traditional broadcasts?

Social media clips played a significant role in how fans consume sports content by providing them with bite-sized, easily accessible highlights that they could watch on their own schedule, rather than relying on traditional broadcast times or lengthy shows.