"All of journalism is a shrinking art. So much of it is hype. The O.J. Simpson story is a landmark in the decline of journalism"

Dick Schaap’s observation reflects a deep disappointment in the direction modern journalism has taken, especially with regards to sensational coverage of events like the O.J. Simpson trial. He points to a loss of integrity and depth in reportage, expressing concern that the field he once respected is losing both its art and its purpose. The phrase “shrinking art” evokes the sense that journalism is not only declining in quality but also narrowing in scope, forsaking thoughtful investigation and storytelling in favor of something lesser.

The critique of hype stands at the heart of his commentary. As he sees it, journalism has become more concerned with attracting viewership, stoking controversy, and generating spectacle than with uncovering truth or providing meaningful stories. The O.J. Simpson story serves as a potent example for Schaap , a case where the media’s relentless focus on drama, personalities, and rumor overrode careful reporting and analysis. News outlets, seeking ratings and attention, devoted endless hours to speculation, personality-driven commentary, and narrative-building rather than adhering to the evidence or a measured chronicle of events.

By labeling the Simpson coverage a "landmark in the decline of journalism", Schaap suggests a turning point, when the priorities of news organizations shifted fundamentally. No longer driven by the mission to inform the public thoughtfully, many outlets began prioritizing entertainment values over substance. This shift, he implies, has broad cultural consequences: the “art” of journalism withers, leaving both the profession and its audience poorer for it. Schaap mourns a lost era when journalism aspired to rigorous standards and fostered a better-informed citizenry. The quote is not just about a single event, but about a wider trajectory of sensationalism and superficiality replacing depth and seriousness in the news media.