Sports Illustrated publisher ousts CEO over alleged publication of AI-generated stories with fictitious authors
Digital Publisher Fires Sports Illustrated CEO
The Arena Group, the owner of Sports Illustrated and other major publications, made a bold move this week by firing Sports Illustrated CEO Ross Levinsohn. The decision was announced by the company in a statement, which stated that the board of directors took action to improve the company’s efficiency and revenue.
“The board terminated the employment of CEO Ross Levinsohn, and named Manoj Bhargava as interim Chief Executive Officer, both effective today.”
While the company did not provide specific details about the reasons behind Levinsohn’s removal, there have been rumors of a scandal involving the publication allegedly publishing AI-generated content from fake authors. When asked about this, a spokesperson for the company simply stated that they had nothing further to add.
In addition to Levinsohn, The Arena Group also fired operations president and COO Andrew Kraft, media president Rob Barrett, and corporate counsel Julie Fenster. However, the company assured that all media brands, including Sports Illustrated, will continue to operate with their respective management.
A recent report from Futurism revealed examples of AI-generated authors on the Sports Illustrated website. These authors, such as “Drew Ortiz,” were found to have profiles and biographies that were completely fabricated. The outlet even discovered that the profile photos were AI-generated images sold on a website.
“There’s a lot,” said one source. “This person does not exist.”
It seems that Sports Illustrated was not the only publication engaging in these practices. TheStreet, another publication owned by The Arena Group, was also found to have allegedly used AI-generated content.
When Futurism reached out to The Arena Group for comment, they did not receive an immediate response.
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What specific changes can be expected under new leadership after the firing of Levinsohn?
Italize its brands.
Levinsohn, who had been with Sports Illustrated since 2019, played a significant role in the company’s digital transformation. However, the decision to terminate his employment came amidst a strategic pivot by the Arena Group.
This move is part of the company’s larger effort to adapt to the rapidly changing digital publishing landscape. The Arena Group aims to revamp Sports Illustrated and position it as a more competitive player in the online sports media market. With the rise of social media platforms and digital streaming services, traditional publishers have had to find innovative ways to engage their audience and stay relevant.
While Levinsohn oversaw many successful initiatives during his tenure, the board of directors felt that a change in leadership was necessary to drive forward the company’s new vision. They believe that a fresh perspective and strategic direction are needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sports journalism.
Additionally, rumors have circulated about internal conflicts within the organization, which may have contributed to the decision to let Levinsohn go. However, the Arena Group has not released specific details about these alleged conflicts.
The firing of Levinsohn has sparked both speculation and curiosity in the industry. Many are wondering who will step up to fill the void left by his departure and what changes can be expected under new leadership.
The Arena Group has reassured employees and stakeholders that they are committed to the success of Sports Illustrated. They have emphasized their dedication to maintaining and expanding the brand’s loyal fan base while also attracting new audiences.
Despite this recent development, Sports Illustrated remains one of the most recognizable and respected sports media outlets in the world. Since its founding in 1954, it has garnered a devoted following and established a reputation for high-quality journalism and iconic photography.
As the digital publishing landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sports Illustrated adapts and reinvents itself under new leadership. The firing of Levinsohn represents a new chapter in the publication’s history, one that holds both challenges and opportunities for growth.
While the departure of Levinsohn may mark the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for Sports Illustrated to embrace change and leverage its prestigious brand to remain at the forefront of the industry. The future of the publication lies in its ability to innovate and captivate sports enthusiasts in an increasingly digitized world.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for Sports Illustrated, but it is clear that the Arena Group is determined to navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital publishing and position Sports Illustrated as a frontrunner in the industry once again.
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