Don Lemon, Stephen Colbert, Jennifer Welch to Vie in 6th Annual Liberal Hack Tournament
The philanthropic “Ruthless” podcast stage returns for its sixth edition of the Liberal Hack Tournament. Fans will again vote on X in this NCAA-style bracket contest. The event pits established journalists against new media personalities.
Top seeds and headline matchups
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon earned the top seed in the Liberal Activists bracket. He faces scrutiny after charges tied to unrest at a Minnesota church in January. Newcomer Jennifer Welch enters the same bracket as the No. 2 seed. Welch co-hosts the “I’ve Had It” podcast and has drawn attention for aggressive rhetoric and ties with prominent Democrats.
Outgoing “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert holds the No. 1 seed in the Establishment division. He sparked controversy by saying CBS blocked an interview with Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico. Observers linked that episode to Talarico’s primary victory over Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Other seeded figures
In the Fake News bracket, CNN’s Abby Phillip is the top seed. She issued a public correction after an inaccurate statement about a New York City mayoral target. Brian Stelter, the tournament’s inaugural champion, appears as a No. 5 seed in the same division.
HuffPost White House correspondent S.V. Dáte is a surprise No. 1 in the Way Too Online division. He will face online personalities and former cable hosts like Joy Reid, Keith Olbermann and Hasan Piker. A play-in match will pair Olivia Nuzzi against Ryan Lizza for the No. 16 seed.
Returning champion and controversies
Margaret Brennan, last year’s winner, will try to defend her title. Brennan moderated a vice presidential debate and had high-profile exchanges with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She drew criticism for an X post some viewed as mocking a public prayer request.
Network representation and notable absences
The outlet formerly known as MS NOW leads delegation sizes. It has 13 competitors, including Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace and Jen Psaki. Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski both appear, but in separate brackets.
- CNN fields nine entrants, such as Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper.
- ABC posts five competitors, including George Stephanopoulos.
- The Bulwark matches ABC with five representatives.
- The Atlantic, The New York Times and CBS each have three competitors.
- NBC appears with two participants.
The Washington Post has no representation this year. Several former Post staffers compete under new banners. Examples include Ashley Parker at The Atlantic and Aaron Blake at CNN.
Selection process, voting and prize
A third-party Hack Madness Committee compiled the tournament field. Ruthless listeners may fill out brackets online. Bracket entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22.
Voting opens Sunday, March 22 on the X page of Ruthless co-host Comfortably Smug. The listener with the top bracket will receive a prize pack from the podcast. Ruthless releases new episodes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on YouTube and podcast platforms.
Context and commentary
The contest mixes legacy media figures and digital creators. Former network reporters like Jim Acosta and Mehdi Hasan are competing. Some public figures, including Jimmy Kimmel, were not included on the bracket this year.
Organizers describe the tournament as a high-profile clash of media personalities. The event offers visibility for both celebrities and rising hosts. Filmogaz.com will continue to cover developments as brackets and voting progress.
Among the competitors are Don Lemon, Stephen Colbert and Jennifer Welch in the 6th Annual Liberal Hack Tournament. The field promises heated matchups and viral moments as voting begins.
