The death of the review? Cultural criticism is at risk of erasure

Recent announcements at major publications have seen critics losing their positions, an ongoing shift that we should all be alarmed byMedia layoffs are no longer breaking news; at this point, it’s more of a weekly check-in to determine which publications are shaving a few more jobs, firing people en masse, or shuttering altogether. But for the admittedly niche demographic that follows the ups and downs of professional film and culture criticism, it’s been a particularly rough couple of weeks, in part because the job losses feel so specifically targeted. The Chicago Tribune isn’t just undergoing a round of layoffs to weather some bad economic news; they’re eliminating the position of film critic entirely, and with it mainstay Michael Phillips, who inherited a beat once occupied by Gene Siskel.Phillips kept the Siskel torch burning in more ways than one; after Ebert retired from regular on-camera reviews, Phillips co-hosted a Siskel & Ebert offshoot with AO Scott, who has since also left the film-crit world, albeit voluntarily. But over at the New York Times, where Scott still works at the Book Review, four culture critics have recently been reassigned, essentially stripped of their original titles before being eventually replaced by … well, let’s have culture editor Sia Michel try to explain it: “Our readers are hungry for trusted guides to help them make sense of this complicated landscape, not only through traditional reviews but also with essays, new story forms, videos and experimentation with other platforms.” Translation: critics better learn to TikTok. And they better not expect to write so many of their dumb reviews. Continue reading...

Comments

Culture

The Repair Shop viewers left tearful as couple discover secret message from late son

Independent

Comments

Culture

The Repair Shop viewers left tearful as couple discover secret message from late son

Angela Scanlon says ‘creepy’ guest asked her inappropriate question seconds before live interview

EastEnders star returns to BBC series 22 years after official exit

‘I am devastated and furious’: 12 actors controversially recast in films

SNL’s Devon Walker calls show ‘sometimes toxic as hell’ as he announces exit

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are ‘crazy about each other’ – NFL star’s father

Billie Eilish launches signature Uno deck with Mattel

Blind date takes shocking filthy turn minutes in: ‘Is he being creepy?’

David Mitchell says the term ‘mansplaining’ is unfair

‘I found my daughter’s body after she was murdered – I couldn’t let her killer get away with it’

This ‘unreleasable’ new horror film is a kitsch bloodbath for the sickos

With Love, Meghan season 2 review – Watching this is like being gaslit by a multimillionaire

Lightyear should have been a dire warning to Disney – and no, Snoop Dogg, not because of its gay kiss

Meghan Markle reacts to awkward Suits moment on her new Netflix show

Woody Allen responds after Ukraine slams director for appearing at Russian film festival: ‘Disgrace and insult’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engaged – live: Meghan, William and Kate, and Trump lead reactions to engagement news

King & Conqueror review – Battle of Hastings drama is almost unwatchably dark

The Roses review – Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch are relentlessly entertaining

I’m a film critic at Venice 2025 – I can’t wait for these 10 movies

Trump, a vocal Taylor Swift critic, reacts to her engagement with Travis Kelce

Kpop Demon Hunters becomes Netflix's most viewed film ever

'I immediately freaked out' - Taylor Swift's engagement sends fans into frenzy

Former Weeki Wachee Mermaids return to the springs as seniors

‘Alien: Earth’ Season 1, Episode 4 Recap: In Sheep’s Clothing

This Couple Predicted Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship 5 Years Ago

The Repair Shop viewers left ‘in tears’ after heartbreaking episode

Channel 4 viewers ‘driven bonkers’ over biased social experiment show

Some young people ditching dating apps and opting for old-fashioned alternatives

Jenny Slate shares a memory she'd like to relive

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship Timeline and Big Moments

Passage to India is a surprisingly moving Yorkshire Vet special

The Jury: Murder Trial could change our legal system forever

Perrie Edwards proudly shows off scar in new single teaser video

Taylor and Travis are engaged. Congrats, America.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Timeline of events leading to couple’s engagement

Artwork looted by Nazis 80 years ago spotted in estate agent ad

Teen avoids jail over plot to attack Taylor Swift Vienna concert

NEA cancels decades-long creative writing fellowship

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are in their engagement era

Stream These 8 Movies and TV Shows Before They Leave Netflix in September

Ousted Maestro Charged in Child Sex Abuse Imagery Case

Trump, who has not been shy about his dislike of Taylor Swift, reacts to Travis Kelce engagement

Meghan Markle’s shameless PR stunt with David Chang is disgusting

It’s a Love Story: Taylor Swift announces engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce

Elton John says Steve Wright helped him get first solo UK number one single

AI "deadbots" are persuasive — and researchers say, they're primed for monetization

A Soundtrack for the End of Summer (Cruel or Not)

Yes, Meghan Markle is naff and neurotic – but at least she knows it

Lil Nas X breaks silence after naked police altercation and jail stint

Taylor Swift announces engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce

Caught Stealing review: even Bad Bunny can’t save Darren Aronofsky’s crime caper dud

Teenager convicted for supporting Taylor Swift terror plot

Taylor Swift announces engagement to boyfriend Travis Kelce

Strictly Come Dancing star arrested on suspicion of rape

Bruce Willis' wife Emma says he is in 'great health' but 'brain is failing'

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement

TV Actor abused two girls at party, trial told

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Are Engaged, Singer Announces

Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty to Four Felony Charges

Meghan Markle reacts to Netflix show guest’s subtle Suits shade