Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann criticized Sage Steele on social media after Steele revealed that her 2021 interview with President Biden was scripted by network executives. Steele admitted in an interview with Fox News Digital that she was given a script to go off of, and every single question was scripted and gone over by editors and executives multiple times. Olbermann took a jab at Steele, calling her the “dumbest person” he’s ever worked with in sports or news, and insinuating that she needed a script to get through the interview.
In the interview, Steele discussed the structured nature of the pre-taped interview with Biden, where she was instructed to say every word written out for her and not deviate from the script. The questions asked pertained to sports leagues’ efforts to restore normalcy during the COVID pandemic and vaccine hesitancy among athletes and fans. The interview gained attention when Biden supported the MLB’s decision to boycott the All-Star game in Atlanta after the passage of Georgia’s election reform law. Steele revealed that everything she said in the interview came directly from ESPN’s top executives.
Steele did not confirm whether ESPN had sent the questions to the White House before the interview but believed it was likely. She described the detailed control over the interview process, with every word and question being meticulously planned and dictated by ESPN executives. Steele has since left ESPN and launched her podcast, “The Sage Steele Show.” ESPN declined to comment on the matter. This incident sheds light on the behind-the-scenes manipulation and control that can occur in media interviews, raising questions about journalistic integrity and authenticity.
In response to Olbermann’s criticism of Steele, Riley Gaines came to her defense, praising Steele for having the courage to speak out against the scripted interview process. Olbermann has a history of feuding with Steele and has been involved in previous controversies related to his behavior towards colleagues. The incident underscores the tensions and conflicting personalities that can arise in the competitive world of sports media.
The scripted interview with President Biden highlights the challenges faced by journalists working in mainstream media organizations, where editorial control and corporate influence can impact the authenticity and spontaneity of interviews. While scripted interviews are common in the industry, they raise questions about journalistic independence and the ability to ask probing and challenging questions. The controversy surrounding Steele’s interview with Biden adds to the ongoing debate about media transparency and accountability.
As Steele moves forward with her new podcast and ventures outside of ESPN, the incident serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play within media organizations and the importance of independent voices in journalism. While the specifics of the scripted interview may vary, the broader implications of editorial control and corporate influence on media content remain relevant in discussions about media ethics and integrity. As journalists continue to navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape, incidents like this one underscore the need for transparency, authenticity, and accountability in media practices.
