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Make Jalopnik Your Google Preferred Source | Analysis by Brian Moineau

Posted on by Brian Moineau

Please sir, I want some more: Make Jalopnik your go-to on Google Search

You know that feeling when you want more of a specific flavor — be it extra gravy with your fry-up or another Jalopnik teardown of the latest electric crossover? Google’s new “preferred sources” feature lets you feed that appetite directly into Search so your favorite outlets show up more often in Top Stories. If Jalopnik is your jam, here’s how to make it show up more when you hunt for car news, reviews, or the latest automotive chaos.

Why this matters right now

  • Google recently rolled out a Preferred Sources option in Search’s Top Stories, letting users prioritize outlets they trust. This isn’t about blocking other voices — it’s about nudging the algorithm toward the sites you love. (blog.google)
  • Publishers (including Jalopnik) are encouraging readers to add them as preferred sources because it helps visibility and keeps traffic flowing in a world where discovery has fragmented across platforms. (jalopnik.com)
  • For readers, it’s a small personalization that yields a more relevant stream of reporting when searching breaking topics — especially useful for fast-moving beats like cars, tech, and motorsports. (tomsguide.com)

Quick takeaways

  • The feature appears in Google Search’s Top Stories and can be accessed from the star/card icon or from a central preferences page.
  • You can add as many preferred sources as you like; changes sync to your Google account.
  • Adding Jalopnik helps surface more of its articles in searches where Top Stories appear — but you’ll still see other outlets too.

How to add Jalopnik as a preferred source (two easy ways)

  1. Via a direct Jalopnik link (fastest)
  • Click the link Jalopnik provides in their article or site post (they often include a direct link to the Google “Set your preferred sources” tool). Once on Google’s preferences page, type “Jalopnik,” tick the checkbox, and save. Jalopnik’s article highlights this shortcut for readers who want a one-click route. (jalopnik.com)
  1. From a Google Search results page (discover-as-you-go)
  • Search Google for a current car-related topic (for example: “2024 Kia Sorento review” or “EV recalls”). When Top Stories appears, look for the small stacked-card/star icon to the right of the Top Stories header. (tomsguide.com)
  • Click that icon to open the “Choose your preferred sources” dialog. Type “Jalopnik” into the search box, check the box next to the publication, then tap “Reload results” to see Top Stories refreshed with your selections. (blog.google)

Tips for getting the best results

  • Make sure you’re signed into your Google account — preferences tie to your account and sync across devices.
  • Use high-news queries (current events, trending car models, recalls, racing results) to trigger Top Stories and the star icon if you don’t see it for everyday searches.
  • Add several sources you trust, not just one; users often pick multiple outlets to keep perspective while prioritizing favorites. Google’s early testers typically added four or more. (blog.google)
  • If you change your mind, you can always remove or edit preferred sources from the same dialog or via Google Search personalization settings.

What this means for readers and publishers

  • For readers: more of what you like. If Jalopnik’s voice — cranky, irreverent, detail-hungry car coverage — is what you want, Preferred Sources nudges Search to serve it up more often.
  • For publishers: a way to court loyal readers directly inside the platform that still sends huge referral traffic. It’s also a reminder that discovery is a two-way street: publishers must keep producing content that readers want to prioritize. (theverge.com)

A couple of caveats

  • Preferred sources don’t mean exclusive results. Google will still show other outlets; the feature simply increases the prominence of your chosen sources when relevant.
  • Rollout and availability have been region-limited as Google expands the feature; if you don’t see the star icon yet, try updating the Google app or checking your account settings. (theverge.com)

My take

There’s a small, almost comforting delight in tailoring the internet to your tastes — like asking for an extra helping at a diner and being handed exactly what you wanted. Google’s Preferred Sources is that small favor writ large: it doesn’t rewrite the menu, but it nudges the kitchen to plate more of your favorite dish. If Jalopnik’s the publication that makes you laugh, think, and occasionally spit-take coffee when reading about automotive absurdity, this is an easy move to make your searches feel a little more like home.

Sources



Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.

Paramount Cuts After Skydance Merger | Analysis by Brian Moineau

Posted on by Brian Moineau

Paramount Layoffs After Skydance Merger: What Happened and Why It Matters

Introduction — a quick hook
Paramount has begun a sweeping round of layoffs that reach across CBS Entertainment, Paramount+, MTV and other properties — a major consolidation move that follows its recent merger with Skydance. For employees, viewers and creators, the cuts signal a new era of cost-focused consolidation at one of Hollywood’s biggest media houses.

What’s going on (context and background)
In August 2025 Skydance and Paramount completed a high-profile merger that combined Skydance’s production muscle with Paramount’s legacy TV and streaming businesses. Within weeks, new leadership set out a plan to reduce overlap, streamline operations and cut costs — a process that culminated in layoffs that began in late October 2025.

The first wave eliminated roughly 1,000 roles across multiple divisions, with company statements and reporting indicating the total reduction will be about 2,000 jobs (around 10% of the combined workforce) once subsequent rounds are complete. A memo from CEO David Ellison framed the cuts as part of restructuring after the merger; outside reporting has also described a broader target of substantial cost savings as Paramount refocuses priorities under the Skydance-led management team.

Why this matters

  • It affects major content and distribution units: staff reductions touch broadcast (CBS), streaming (Paramount+), youth and music networks (MTV) and other cable and studio operations — meaning decisions about programming, development and day-to-day operations could change.
  • Industry ripple effects: large-scale layoffs immediately alter project staffing, timelines and freelance opportunities and can influence what kinds of shows and formats get greenlit.
  • Strategic repositioning: the move signals that the new leadership is prioritizing efficiency and margin improvement, which may change long-term creative strategy (fewer, higher-budget tentpoles vs. broader slates; more franchise-focused content; emphasis on profitable streaming models).

Key takeaways

  • Paramount Skydance has begun mass layoffs following the August 2025 merger; about 1,000 jobs were cut in the first wave and roughly 2,000 jobs in total are expected. (October 2025 reporting.)
  • Cuts span CBS Entertainment, Paramount+, MTV and other divisions — not limited to a single business unit.
  • The layoffs are part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring plan under new CEO David Ellison aimed at eliminating overlap and realigning the combined company.
  • Industry consequences include potential delays or cancellations of projects, shifts in commissioning strategy, and reduced staffing for news, production and development teams.
  • This is consistent with typical post-merger consolidation, but the scale and timing mean the effects will be widely felt across creative and corporate ranks.

Scannable snapshot: who’s affected and what to watch

  • Affected groups: corporate staff, production and development teams, cable network personnel, and some news and streaming operations.
  • Near-term risks: halted projects, fewer development deals, hiring freezes, and an increase in freelance competition.
  • What to watch next: official company disclosures (quarterly earnings and SEC filings), statements from division leaders (CBS, Paramount+), and follow-up reporting on which teams and shows are most impacted.

Short concluding reflection
Mergers promise scale and new capabilities, but they also bring hard choices. The Paramount–Skydance layoffs are a stark reminder that corporate consolidation often translates into sharper editorial and staffing decisions on the ground. For viewers, the biggest question will be whether these cuts narrow the range of original voices and experimentation on air and on streaming — and for the industry, whether the refocused Paramount produces a smaller slate of more concentrated hits or a leaner, but less diverse offering.

Sources



Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.

Local TV interview of Bill Belichick comes with key condition: No Jordon Hudson questions – NBC Sports | Analysis by Brian Moineau

Posted on by Brian Moineau

Local TV interview of Bill Belichick comes with key condition: No Jordon Hudson questions - NBC Sports | Analysis by Brian Moineau

The Art of Silence: Bill Belichick’s Media Masterclass


In the delicate dance between sports personalities and the media, few have mastered the art as subtly as New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Known for his stoic demeanor and no-nonsense approach, Belichick has long been a figure of fascination both on and off the field. The recent NBC Sports article highlighting Belichick’s insistence on avoiding questions about Jordon Hudson during a local TV interview serves as yet another chapter in the intriguing saga of this football mastermind.

The Belichick Playbook: Silence Speaks Volumes

For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Jordon Hudson is a name that has become somewhat of a ghost in the Belichick narrative. The specifics of their initial meeting seem to carry a weight that Belichick would rather not discuss publicly. This decision to steer clear of Hudson-centric queries is not just a tactic; it's a testament to Belichick’s disciplined approach to media interactions.

Much like his strategy on the football field, Belichick's communication style is calculated, prioritizing control and precision. His famous press conferences, often characterized by brief, guarded responses, have become part of his mystique. This latest move to sidestep Hudson questions is a continuation of his methodical media management.

In the Arena of Public Figures: A Common Thread

Belichick isn’t alone in his quest for privacy amidst the public maelstrom. Across various domains, notable figures have adopted similar strategies. Consider how artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift manage their public personas. By controlling the narrative and choosing when to engage, they maintain an air of mystery and preserve their personal lives—from cryptic lyrics to sudden album drops, they keep the audience guessing.

Similarly, in the world of politics, leaders like former President Barack Obama have been adept at balancing transparency with discretion, sharing personal stories when strategic while keeping certain aspects of their lives shielded from public scrutiny.

The Patriots’ Legacy: A Team Built on Focus

Under Belichick’s leadership, the New England Patriots have soared to remarkable heights, securing six Super Bowl titles and becoming a staple of NFL excellence. This success isn’t just about talent on the field; it’s a testament to a culture of focus and discipline—qualities that Belichick embodies and enforces.

Players like Tom Brady and Julian Edelman have flourished under his guidance, crediting his rigorous approach as pivotal to their development. The emphasis on "doing your job" and minimizing distractions is a core tenet of the Patriots’ ethos, reflecting Belichick’s personal philosophy.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Controlled Narrative

In an era where the lines between public and private are increasingly blurred, Belichick’s handling of the Jordon Hudson narrative—or lack thereof—serves as a reminder of the power inherent in controlling one’s own story. By setting boundaries with the media, he not only protects his personal life but also reinforces the culture of focus that defines his team.

As fans and observers, we may always yearn for more insights, more drama, more storylines. Yet, perhaps the real lesson from Belichick’s media strategy is that sometimes, what’s left unsaid can be as powerful as what’s spoken. In the end, the art of silence may be one of the most potent plays in Belichick’s extensive playbook.

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