Full Breakdown
Sixth Annual Liberal Hack Tournament: A Clash of Media Titans
3/21/2026, 2:46:38 PM
Overview of the Tournament
The sixth annual Liberal Hack Tournament, also known as "Hack Madness," is set to feature prominent figures from legacy media competing against new challengers. This NCAA-style contest, organized by the "Ruthless" podcast, invites participants to vote for the biggest "hack" in the media industry. The tournament will commence with voting starting on March 22, 2023.
Key Competitors
Leading the competition is former CNN host Don Lemon, who has secured the No. 1 seed in the Liberal Activists division. Lemon's participation comes amid ongoing legal challenges related to his involvement in unrest at a Minnesota church in January, where he has pleaded not guilty. He faces stiff competition from newcomer Jennifer Welch, co-host of the "I've Had It" podcast, who is the No. 2 seed and has gained notoriety for her provocative remarks towards Republicans.
In the Fake News division, CNN host Abby Phillip, known for her exchanges with conservative commentator Scott Jennings, is the top seed. Phillip recently faced backlash for a correction issued after a false claim regarding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Other notable competitors include Stephen Colbert, the No. 1 seed in the Establishment bracket, who has recently accused CBS of blocking an interview that may have influenced a Texas Democratic primary.
Representation and Notable Absences
The tournament features a diverse array of competitors, with CBS' "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan returning to defend her title as last year's champion. This year, CBS has the most representation with 13 competitors, including Rachel Maddow and Jen Psaki. CNN follows with nine participants, while ABC has five. The #NeverTrump outlet The Bulwark also boasts a strong presence, matching ABC's competitor count.
Conversely, NBC has only two representatives, and The Washington Post is entirely absent from the tournament, reflecting a significant talent exodus from the publication. Notably, Jimmy Kimmel has been excluded from this year's competition, following controversies surrounding his comments about political figures.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for the tournament remarked, "Without a doubt the most highly anticipated tournament in media, this year’s contest pits fresh-faced talent against some of the mightiest names in the game." The selections for the tournament were made by a third-party Hack Madness Committee, and listeners of the "Ruthless" podcast are encouraged to fill out their brackets for a chance to win a prize pack.
What's Next
Voting for the Liberal Hack Tournament will begin on March 22, 2023, with brackets needing to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on the same day. The tournament promises to be a significant event in media, showcasing both established and emerging voices in a competitive format.
Verbatim Quotes
- "The losers will find a well-oiled springboard to tragedy. But the victor will be crowned in glory." — Tournament Spokesperson
This year's Liberal Hack Tournament is poised to be a notable event in the media landscape, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and dynamics within the industry.
