Chris Thomas, Executive Editor of Sports for the USA Today Network, joins “The Sports Professor” Rick Horrow to discuss the fast-changing world of sports media, including AI, digital growth, and the evolution of journalism in a social-first era. Recorded at SEICon III in Las Vegas, Thomas explains how USA TODAY Sports is expanding its reach across 230+ local properties while staying true to a reader-first strategy, balancing speed with accuracy, and building trust with younger audiences. He also previews the network’s ambitious 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage, the use of automation tools, and growth in women’s sports through Studio IX, while reflecting on major-event storytelling and the influence of creator-driven platforms.
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