Sports Illustrated laid off its six remaining photographers today, sending shockwaves through the old-media world. The dismissal of the entire department is yet another example of the rapidly changing landscape of sportswriting.
It also sucks. Sports Illustrated photographers have been responsible for creating some of the most indelible images in history. Like this one. And this one. And, oh yeah, this one.
The magazine will now be more dependent on wire service and, of course, Shutterstock.
How might that future look?
Very, very weird — if they go the Shutterstock route. Not really worse, just … weird.
[H/T: NPPA]
[Shutterstock images: Bowl of soup, red swimsuit, baseball kids, man boxing]