The beloved sports talk show “Around the Horn” is set to conclude after an impressive run of over two decades on ESPN, and with its closing week underway, longtime panelist Woody Paige has shared his thoughts on the changing landscape of the show. In a recent profile in New York Magazine, Paige offered a nuanced perspective on how the show has adapted over the years.
Paige highlighted the necessity for “Around the Horn” to evolve by diversifying its panel, which previously consisted predominantly of “middle-aged white guys.” The introduction of younger and more diverse voices, such as Pablo Torre, Bill Barnwell, Mina Kimes, Sarah Spain, and Clinton Yates, reflects the changing dynamics of sports discussions. However, Paige also expressed concerns that the show may have struggled to achieve the same level of impact as its rivals due to this shift in focus.
While some critics, including former ATH panelist Jay Marriotti, have suggested that the drive for progressive inclusivity led to the show’s decline, Paige refrained from placing blame on these changes. Instead, he acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace with new trends, like the analytics movement in sports, which have transformed discussions and analyses in the industry.
Despite reaching its end, “Around the Horn” leaves behind a legacy of adaptability and a commitment to representing a broader array of voices in sports commentary. As the show wraps up, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to embrace change and diversity in all fields, encouraging future generations to continue the dialogue in innovative ways.