Every so often, we gather together some of the most flawed examples in journalism, putting them forward for the not-so-prestigious title of “winning” our less-than-distinguished Remmy Award. At year’s end, we celebrate the top contenders by collecting examples across various categories and carefully selecting the noteworthy performances.
Here are the latest nominees for The Remmys.
Distinguished Explanatory Reporting
Ben Munster – Politico Europe
During the process to choose the new Pope, Politico shared some insights they presumed would captivate their audience. Their assertion was that numerous clergy, involved in the selection process, had been appointed post the election of Pope Francis, resulting in a need for them to familiarize themselves with the proceedings.
Would these clergy members then be guided by senior leaders on how to proceed, or perhaps dive into the ancient texts within the Vatican’s archives for the necessary guidance? Not a chance!
They were relying on the recently released film “Conclave” to figure out what to do. Uh…huh…surrrrrre…
Just an incredible piece out of POLITICO Europe:
Cardinals are watching ‘Conclave’ the movie for guidance on the conclave IRL
A majority of the cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and haven’t been around long enough to know how it all works. https://t.co/rb7Lt7AbHb
— Christopher Cadelago (@ccadelago) May 7, 2025
Distinguished National Reporting
Mark Leibovich – The Atlantic
With all of the media fallout concerning the book “Original Sin”, and how poorly Jake Tapper has looked as a result, it would be tough to come up with a worse hot take than Jake – but Leibovich was up to the task. After declaring he was tired of all of the talk about Biden’s age and the press working to cover up his debilitated condition, Leibovich actually stated that the press’s behavior was no big deal, because everyone could see Biden’s condition for themselves.
In other words, do not hold the press responsible for lying for years, because no one believed them anyway.
The Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich Digs Past Tapper and Drops the Worst Excuse/Admission on Biden Coveragehttps://t.co/wSpKh8Uh14
— RedState (@RedState) May 22, 2025
Distinguished Photo Journalism
Themba Hedebe – Associated Press
The AP strained to join other news outlets in debunking President Trump’s claim that white farmers in South Africa are being murdered on the regular. In a photo segment, the outlet spoke with a number of farmers from the nation who denied that this was taking place.
Small matter that in the very same article “disproving” it is taking place, they also have a number of photographs of the memorials in that nation commemorating the farmers who had been slain.
Can you explain: pic.twitter.com/tOyb6pl0mu
— Brad Slager: CNN+ Lifetime Subscriber (@MartiniShark) May 23, 2025
CNN
The news network is nominated for its series of helpful guides to instruct readers on the matter of the economy. After months of complaining that Trump was doing little to help the economy, the outlet reported that prices were, in fact, coming down – and that was bad news. Likewise, CNN had to come around to admitting that egg prices had in fact come way down, but somehow Trump still had lied when he said this was the case. Then we get the news on car prices.
Trump’s tariffs were going to drive up those costs and have a negative impact on the economy. Then, 6 weeks later, the same reporter informed us that car prices had remained down, and THIS was declared bad for the economy.
CNN: “Trump’s Tariffs are bad news, as they will raise the price on cars!”
(car prices remain down)
CNN: “Car prices did not spike, so THIS is bad news!” pic.twitter.com/SS21XmwVqB
— Brad Slager: CNN+ Lifetime Subscriber (@MartiniShark) May 12, 2025
Distinguished Feature Writing
Keziah Weir – Vanity Fair
It is a regular item in the media to declare that you have spotted the latest trend, and this becomes elevated when your claim involves the nefarious elements of right-wing extremism. As a result, we have seen where elements such as a dedication to fitness or Hawaiian shirts have been noted as indicators that someone may be affiliated with unsavory groups.
Well, now you have the latest signal for spotting if someone is an extremist – if they are consuming protein, they are probably a MAGA devotee!
It is obvious this desperate @VanityFair tripe attempting to demonize protein intake is stupid to the core, but one segment makes it all the dumber.
The entire piece blames a “new” pro-protein “trend” on MAGA, then cites a number of links to leftist publications.
Pure comedy. pic.twitter.com/m70fBOT8zM
— Brad Slager: CNN+ Lifetime Subscriber (@MartiniShark) May 4, 2025
Distinguished Cultural Commentary
Marco Buscaglia – Chicago Sun Times
People who turned to the paper for ideas on which books to purchase for their summer beach reading ran into some difficulty in tracking down the tomes. This was because of the more than a dozen titles recommended, only five of the books actually existed.
It turned out that Buscaglia did not proofread his column after resorting to using AI, which manufactured most of the books on his list.
The Chicago Sun-Times printed a “summer reading list” featuring real authors but mostly made up books, generated by a freelancer using AI.
This comes two months after the newspaper cut 20% of its staff. pic.twitter.com/TLMbDxuey0
— Nick Kapur (@nick_kapur) May 21, 2025
Distinguished Sports Journalism
Fox Sports One
This being Memorial Day Weekend, it is a noted day for auto racing, and Fox Sports delivered holiday entertainment. On Friday, they broadcast the “Weiner 500”, and this was more than a cagey race promotion for a company to tie in to the extended holiday weekend.
Oscar Meyer brought in to Indianapolis all six of the company’s Wienermobiles to hold a race between them on the famed Brickyard race track. Let’s hope a new holiday tradition has been created.
OH MY SLAW DOG BY A NOSE!!!! #Wienie500 pic.twitter.com/3EYMsU5zb0
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 23, 2025
