Ben Koo
@bkoo.bsky.social
Owner and editor of @AwfulAnnouncing Recovering Silicon Valley startup guy. Fan of Buckeyes, A's, dogs, naps, tacos, and the old AOL dialup sounds.
Can't believe we're all here because Elon Musk's midlife crisis.
Can't believe we're all here because Elon Musk's midlife crisis.
Really, the only relevant time to share this....
My dad's best man invented the navigable channel guide, got rich selling the company fraudulently to Rupert Murdoch, and then, as the walls of justice were closing in, wired himself millions overseas and has never been seen since.
My dad's best man invented the navigable channel guide, got rich selling the company fraudulently to Rupert Murdoch, and then, as the walls of justice were closing in, wired himself millions overseas and has never been seen since.
November 13, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Really, the only relevant time to share this....
My dad's best man invented the navigable channel guide, got rich selling the company fraudulently to Rupert Murdoch, and then, as the walls of justice were closing in, wired himself millions overseas and has never been seen since.
My dad's best man invented the navigable channel guide, got rich selling the company fraudulently to Rupert Murdoch, and then, as the walls of justice were closing in, wired himself millions overseas and has never been seen since.
Reposted by Ben Koo
The loss of channels having numbers means the art of channel flipping is dying.
Yes we get smaller remotes, but we also get more ads and are conditioned to accept carriage disputes and price hikes in the streaming era.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
Yes we get smaller remotes, but we also get more ads and are conditioned to accept carriage disputes and price hikes in the streaming era.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
'What channel is that on?' How YouTube TV and others are rewiring us for more ads, less choice
YouTube TV's channel guide doesn't include channel numbers, and the Disney dispute has made it pretty clear why that is now.
awfulannouncing.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The loss of channels having numbers means the art of channel flipping is dying.
Yes we get smaller remotes, but we also get more ads and are conditioned to accept carriage disputes and price hikes in the streaming era.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
Yes we get smaller remotes, but we also get more ads and are conditioned to accept carriage disputes and price hikes in the streaming era.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
Per Dan Dakich’s request we have updated this story
November 13, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Per Dan Dakich’s request we have updated this story
Replugging my article on how I miss channel numbers and how YoutubeTV has trapped us and made us more reliant on them versus traditional cable or satellite providers
November 12, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Replugging my article on how I miss channel numbers and how YoutubeTV has trapped us and made us more reliant on them versus traditional cable or satellite providers
BRING BACK CHANNEL NUMBERS!
I wrote about how YouTubeTV and others have rewired how we watch TV.
Without channel numbers, we don't flip as easily, which means more ads, reliance on algo based suggested tiles, and we don't realize when channels go dark.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
I wrote about how YouTubeTV and others have rewired how we watch TV.
Without channel numbers, we don't flip as easily, which means more ads, reliance on algo based suggested tiles, and we don't realize when channels go dark.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
November 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
BRING BACK CHANNEL NUMBERS!
I wrote about how YouTubeTV and others have rewired how we watch TV.
Without channel numbers, we don't flip as easily, which means more ads, reliance on algo based suggested tiles, and we don't realize when channels go dark.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
I wrote about how YouTubeTV and others have rewired how we watch TV.
Without channel numbers, we don't flip as easily, which means more ads, reliance on algo based suggested tiles, and we don't realize when channels go dark.
awfulannouncing.com/youtube/tv-s...
What do you think the paper towel usage percentage is between male and female partners?
November 12, 2025 at 5:17 PM
What do you think the paper towel usage percentage is between male and female partners?
Reposted by Ben Koo
Wrote about the hypocritical gymnastics involved with Pat McAfee's decision to bring Donald Trump on for Veteran's Day.
November 11, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Wrote about the hypocritical gymnastics involved with Pat McAfee's decision to bring Donald Trump on for Veteran's Day.
We did a poll. The Athletic did a poll. This is a third poll. All show the same thing.
People are siding with YoutubeTv and by a high margin.
Is that because of how they view the dispute or existing negativity about ESPN/Disney just carrying over.
Either way, not good!
People are siding with YoutubeTv and by a high margin.
Is that because of how they view the dispute or existing negativity about ESPN/Disney just carrying over.
Either way, not good!
November 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM
We did a poll. The Athletic did a poll. This is a third poll. All show the same thing.
People are siding with YoutubeTv and by a high margin.
Is that because of how they view the dispute or existing negativity about ESPN/Disney just carrying over.
Either way, not good!
People are siding with YoutubeTv and by a high margin.
Is that because of how they view the dispute or existing negativity about ESPN/Disney just carrying over.
Either way, not good!
This conference is addicted to short-term cash grabs, knowing that most people will move on by the time the long-term implications of these moves are felt.
I hope they walk way. Nobody wants this. Nobody needs this.
I hope they walk way. Nobody wants this. Nobody needs this.
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
This conference is addicted to short-term cash grabs, knowing that most people will move on by the time the long-term implications of these moves are felt.
I hope they walk way. Nobody wants this. Nobody needs this.
I hope they walk way. Nobody wants this. Nobody needs this.
The Terry Crew Dodge Ram commercial with the now awkward Drew Allar NIL reference sucks and needs to just be put out to pasture.
November 10, 2025 at 12:06 AM
The Terry Crew Dodge Ram commercial with the now awkward Drew Allar NIL reference sucks and needs to just be put out to pasture.
Reposted by Ben Koo
I wonder if Kyler Murray ever thinks about how he could be in the prime of his arbitration years right now, making $5.4 million to play 81 games a year in Sacramento while batting in front of Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz
November 9, 2025 at 11:06 PM
I wonder if Kyler Murray ever thinks about how he could be in the prime of his arbitration years right now, making $5.4 million to play 81 games a year in Sacramento while batting in front of Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz
I am at a place where where I can say that Tom Brady is a better announcer than Troy Aikman.
Kudos to him. Took some work. Also Aikman IMO is regressing a little bit.
I was skeptical but it’s over the hump.
Kudos to him. Took some work. Also Aikman IMO is regressing a little bit.
I was skeptical but it’s over the hump.
November 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I am at a place where where I can say that Tom Brady is a better announcer than Troy Aikman.
Kudos to him. Took some work. Also Aikman IMO is regressing a little bit.
I was skeptical but it’s over the hump.
Kudos to him. Took some work. Also Aikman IMO is regressing a little bit.
I was skeptical but it’s over the hump.
The Facebook commercial where young people use it to plan going out the night before Thanksgiving is very good but these people simply do not realistically exist anymore
Facebook is for boomers mainlining misinformation and birthday reminders. No engagement from young people.
Facebook is for boomers mainlining misinformation and birthday reminders. No engagement from young people.
November 9, 2025 at 12:03 AM
The Facebook commercial where young people use it to plan going out the night before Thanksgiving is very good but these people simply do not realistically exist anymore
Facebook is for boomers mainlining misinformation and birthday reminders. No engagement from young people.
Facebook is for boomers mainlining misinformation and birthday reminders. No engagement from young people.
To each his own, but I’ll definitely take Jake Butt over Joel Klatt.
He’s been good enough and been doing this long enough that he’s outgrown BTN. Like Joshua Perry, he’ll get a call soon enough for bigger and better.
He’s been good enough and been doing this long enough that he’s outgrown BTN. Like Joshua Perry, he’ll get a call soon enough for bigger and better.
November 8, 2025 at 7:25 PM
To each his own, but I’ll definitely take Jake Butt over Joel Klatt.
He’s been good enough and been doing this long enough that he’s outgrown BTN. Like Joshua Perry, he’ll get a call soon enough for bigger and better.
He’s been good enough and been doing this long enough that he’s outgrown BTN. Like Joshua Perry, he’ll get a call soon enough for bigger and better.
The local casino here in Columbus is going to have to rebrand its sportsbook for a third time in four years.
November 6, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The local casino here in Columbus is going to have to rebrand its sportsbook for a third time in four years.
ESPN will push back against this, citing ratings data (and the business is more than fine)
That said, people don't love, like, or value the overall ESPN brand identity like they once did.
Some missteps + optimizing revenue over managing brand image.
awfulannouncing.com/espn/vibes-b...
That said, people don't love, like, or value the overall ESPN brand identity like they once did.
Some missteps + optimizing revenue over managing brand image.
awfulannouncing.com/espn/vibes-b...
The perception of ESPN is at an all-time low
ESPN is catching fire from everywhere at the moment. Has the sports fan lost trust in the Worldwide Leader in sports?
awfulannouncing.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:10 PM
ESPN will push back against this, citing ratings data (and the business is more than fine)
That said, people don't love, like, or value the overall ESPN brand identity like they once did.
Some missteps + optimizing revenue over managing brand image.
awfulannouncing.com/espn/vibes-b...
That said, people don't love, like, or value the overall ESPN brand identity like they once did.
Some missteps + optimizing revenue over managing brand image.
awfulannouncing.com/espn/vibes-b...
NFL TNF is cool, but Thursday night college football was fucking amazing circa 2006-2008, before the NFL took that corner.
I know it still exists, but the power conferences fled, and at this point, I barely even know who is playing these games.
The real ones know.
I know it still exists, but the power conferences fled, and at this point, I barely even know who is playing these games.
The real ones know.
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 PM
NFL TNF is cool, but Thursday night college football was fucking amazing circa 2006-2008, before the NFL took that corner.
I know it still exists, but the power conferences fled, and at this point, I barely even know who is playing these games.
The real ones know.
I know it still exists, but the power conferences fled, and at this point, I barely even know who is playing these games.
The real ones know.
Would be very curious if they all independently approached about this campaign or was it offered/suggested to them because ESPN was initially contacted.
Why are so many top ESPN personalities helping Stephen A. Smith promote a sketchy solitaire app?
awfulannouncing.com/espn/mina-ki...
awfulannouncing.com/espn/mina-ki...
Top ESPN personalities are selling out for Stephen A. Smith's sketchy solitaire app
ESPN personalities like Mina Kimes, Laura Rutledge, and Kendrick Perkins are advertising a dubious solitaire app endorsed by Stephen A. Smith.
awfulannouncing.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Would be very curious if they all independently approached about this campaign or was it offered/suggested to them because ESPN was initially contacted.
Most lit election watch party right here
November 5, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Most lit election watch party right here
I am not as in love with Tim Robinson as most. With that in mind, what are we thinking on The Chair Company?
November 4, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I am not as in love with Tim Robinson as most. With that in mind, what are we thinking on The Chair Company?
In media circles, NFL Media (owner of NFL Network) is known to be very frugal (some of that probably tied to trying to sell the business).
But re-airing GMFB and MNF during the trade deadline (while ESPN is off of YouTubeTV), you REALLY earn that reputation!
Baaaad look.
But re-airing GMFB and MNF during the trade deadline (while ESPN is off of YouTubeTV), you REALLY earn that reputation!
Baaaad look.
November 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In media circles, NFL Media (owner of NFL Network) is known to be very frugal (some of that probably tied to trying to sell the business).
But re-airing GMFB and MNF during the trade deadline (while ESPN is off of YouTubeTV), you REALLY earn that reputation!
Baaaad look.
But re-airing GMFB and MNF during the trade deadline (while ESPN is off of YouTubeTV), you REALLY earn that reputation!
Baaaad look.
I enjoyed Task, but now having caught up, I have a beef....
November 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I enjoyed Task, but now having caught up, I have a beef....
Who do you think will gain more subscribers tonight between people adding some service to get ESPN to watch Cowboys vs. Cardinals on MNF or people adding B1G+ to watch Ohio State vs. IU Indianapolis in men's basketball?
Probably going to be very close.
Probably going to be very close.
November 3, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Who do you think will gain more subscribers tonight between people adding some service to get ESPN to watch Cowboys vs. Cardinals on MNF or people adding B1G+ to watch Ohio State vs. IU Indianapolis in men's basketball?
Probably going to be very close.
Probably going to be very close.