The Ringer Draws Backlash Over ChatGPT Sponsorship as Top 5 Spotify Comments Turn Negative
Updated
Updated · Awful Announcing · Aug 18
The Ringer Draws Backlash Over ChatGPT Sponsorship as Top 5 Spotify Comments Turn Negative
3 articles · Updated · Awful Announcing · Aug 18
Summary
Top five Spotify comments on Bill Simmons’ latest episode all mocked or attacked a ChatGPT-sponsored segment, signaling a visible listener backlash to The Ringer’s OpenAI tie-up.
Recent episodes have pushed ChatGPT beyond standard ads: Simmons used it on-air to pick Russell Westbrook’s defining game, while The Ringer Fantasy Football Show has run recurring sponsored AI-stat segments.
Reddit and social posts show the criticism spreading, with top r/BillSimmons threads saying the partnership makes some fans want to stop listening and questioning whether Simmons’ content can still be trusted.
The reaction reflects broader unease with AI in media—especially at a Spotify-owned outlet known for critical coverage of the AI industry—while Pew surveys have found at least half of Americans are more concerned than excited about AI.