In March 2021, shortly after President Joe Biden took office, former ESPN anchor Sage Steele conducted an interview that she recently revealed was meticulously scripted by executives at the Disney-owned network.
The revelation came during Steele’s appearance on Fox News, where she disclosed the stringent guidelines imposed on her by ESPN, including the directive to adhere strictly to a pre-written script without any deviation or follow-up questions.
Steele described the preparation process as rigorous, with each question being “gone over dozens of times by many editors and executives.” She expressed uncertainty about whether ESPN had forwarded the questions to the White House prior to the interview but suggested it was likely, given the insistence of her supervisors on sticking to the predetermined script.
The interview, which lasted 11 minutes, primarily focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports leagues and their path to resuming normal operations. During the conversation, President Biden’s comments on moving the Major League Baseball All-Star Game out of Atlanta in response to Georgia’s new voting law garnered significant media attention. The law, which Biden criticized as “Jim Crow on steroids,” introduced stricter voter ID requirements and prohibited the distribution of food and water to voters in line, leading to the relocation of the All-Star Game to Denver.
Later in 2021, Steele found herself at odds with ESPN over her criticisms of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate and remarks about former President Barack Obama. This dispute culminated in Steele being removed from the air and subsequently suing ESPN and Disney, alleging retaliation for her comments. The lawsuit was settled last year, resulting in Steele’s departure from ESPN after 16 years.
Following the settlement, Steele embarked on a new venture with the launch of “The Sage Steele Show,” a podcast that she hopes will allow her to exercise her First Amendment rights more freely.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the independence of journalists and the ethical considerations of scripted interviews, especially those involving high-profile political figures. Steele’s candid account sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that can influence the content presented to the public, raising questions about the balance between editorial control and journalistic integrity.
U.S. Presidents and many high-profile politicians often have their speeches written by professional speechwriters. These professionals are skilled in crafting messages that align with the politician’s policies, vision, and the needs of the moment, while also being mindful of the audience and the broader political context. Speechwriters work closely with the politician to ensure that the speech reflects their voice and intentions accurately.
Presidents and politicians are generally advised to stick to the script for several reasons. First, speeches are carefully crafted to convey specific messages, avoid misinterpretation, and address complex issues thoughtfully. Deviating from the script could lead to unintended controversies, misstatements, or dilute the intended message. Second, speeches often undergo legal and factual review to prevent inaccuracies and potential legal issues. Finally, sticking to the script helps maintain a consistent public image and policy stance.
However, the extent to which politicians adhere to the script can vary. Some may feel comfortable adding their personal touch or improvising parts of the speech, especially if they are skilled orators or deeply familiar with the subject matter. Others might strictly follow the prepared text to minimize risks. The decision to stick to the script or deviate from it can depend on the individual’s style, the event’s formality, and the speech’s significance.
Steele’s recounting of the experience suggests a tightly controlled environment, where the spontaneity and potential for genuine interaction were significantly limited.
Further, Steele expressed her feelings about the interview as “heartbreaking” and “sad,” indicating discomfort with the highly structured nature of the conversation and reflecting on the broader implications of such controlled interactions. Her comments hint at a complex intersection of media practices, editorial control, and the presentation of political figures, suggesting her concern with the authenticity of public discourse in such mediated exchanges. This sentiment was echoed in her discussions on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, where she elaborated on the pre-interview interactions and the awkwardness of the setup.
Steele’s critique seems to extend beyond the specifics of the Biden interview to a broader concern about media practices, editorial choices, and the nature of public engagement with political figures. Her departure from ESPN and subsequent public comments reflect a critical stance on these issues, framing her experiences as part of a larger conversation about media, politics, and public discourse.
