Shocking Move: Penn State Beat Writer Audrey Snyder Departs The Athletic as Outlet Shifts Coverage Focus
In a surprising and unsettling move, longtime Penn State beat writer Audrey Snyder has announced her departure from The Athletic, ending nearly seven years of dedicated coverage of the Nittany Lions. The news broke on Monday, sending shockwaves through the sports media world, especially given the unexpected nature of the decision. While it remains unclear whether Snyder was laid off or simply did not have her contract renewed, she revealed that The Athletic no longer plans to have a full-time reporter cover Penn State.
“So… After nearly 7 years at The Athletic, my time with the company has come to an end,” Snyder shared in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). “They no longer want to cover Penn State with a full-time beat writer. Proud of the work I did and the stories I told. Thank you to so many who subscribed.”
Snyder’s departure marks a significant shift for The Athletic, which has long been known for its in-depth, team-specific coverage. This change seems to signal the outlet’s broader shift toward a more national focus, a strategy that has been more pronounced since The Athletic’s acquisition by The New York Times. However, the decision to drop full-time coverage of a major program like Penn State is still jarring, especially given the team’s recent success. Coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, Penn State is poised to be a national title contender in the 2025 season, making this decision all the more surprising.
For those who followed Snyder’s work, her departure represents not just a loss of coverage for one of college football’s most storied programs but also a shift in the broader landscape of sports journalism. Her insights, deeply researched articles, and commitment to telling the stories that mattered to fans made her one of the most respected beat writers in the industry.
While the future of Penn State coverage at The Athletic remains uncertain, Snyder’s departure is just the latest sign of the changing priorities within the sports media world. As Snyder herself says, it’s now time to figure out what’s next. And for sports fans, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we follow the Nittany Lions—and possibly other major programs—moving forward.
In a year where Penn State is primed to make a national championship push, this shift in coverage leaves fans wondering what the future holds for beat reporting at major college programs.