Axios

With the closure of the Washington Post sports section, sports journalism lost one of its last crown jewels, and one of media's most prestigious professions was handed a crushing blow.

Why it matters: The marquee platforms of sportswriting have been gutted and shuttered over the last decade — victims of cold, hard media business realities and the evolving demands of the modern sports fan.

Gambling culture is enveloping American sports, politics, media and trading, bringing betting out of the shadows and into the mainstream in a way that disturbs some and exhilarates others.

Why it matters: What was once a fringe vice is fast becoming a mass-market habit — raising urgent questions about addiction, fairness and who should regulate the business of betting on almost anything.

The Washington Post on Saturday announced that embattled CEO Will Lewis would be resigning after years of controversial leadership.

Why it matters: His resignation follows a dramatic and controversial move to lay off hundreds of journalists amid financial turmoil.

The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Olympics drew over 21 million viewers for NBC and Peacock on Friday.

Why it matters: This year's Winter Games kick off what's expected to be a ratings bonanza for NBC's "Legendary February," during which it will broadcast the Olympics, Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game.

Creators have rewritten the rules of media and marketing, pushing every sector to reckon with a rapidly growing new economic force.

Why it matters: Companies that move too slowly to adapt risk losing cultural relevance and the next generation of consumers.

Legacy broadcasters are recruiting creators as on-air talent and promotional partners.

Why it matters: Networks are racing to win back younger audiences who have abandoned TV for YouTube and TikTok.

Traditional publishers, including those that began as print newspapers or magazines, are launching creator programs as more writers go independent.

Why it matters: Their survival depends on embracing individuals to rebuild relevance and reach.

Studios, award shows and agencies are increasingly working with creators as digital talent becomes central to entertainment.

Why it matters: Hollywood's hierarchy is changing as digital creators become the next A-listers and studios adapt to younger generations' fandom and content habits.

Sports leagues are courting creators to expand their fandom as athletes are increasingly building their own content portfolios.

Why it matters: Creators can connect leagues to younger fans, who tend to watch highlights instead of tuning into full games, expanding reach and engagement.

TikTok and Spotify are redefining how artists break through and how hits are made.

Why it matters: Traditional gatekeepers like labels and radio are no longer the sole arbiters of success. Virality is a democratizing force, allowing artists to build careers on their own terms.

Retailers are tapping creators as collaborators and encouraging their employees to become online ambassadors.

Why it matters: Consumer products that sell are the ones discovered and championed by trusted online voices.

Everyone from cement specialists to physical therapists are building followings around their expertise.

Why it matters: The creator playbook works beyond consumer brands as industries built on trust and specialization benefit from humanizing their craft.

Solo dining orders have soared since 2021, according to a report by one of the world's largest restaurant companies.

Why it matters: Eating alone doesn't necessarily mean you're lonely. In many cases, it's about self-care.

AI is here — and this week, investors lost over $400 billion to the realization that entire industries are on the cusp of being replaced.

Why it matters: The software-industry selloff, sparked by Anthropic's latest release, is ultimately just a baby step in a bigger transformation that may reshape how we all live and work.