The Grill Room
Audacy | Puck
Finally, a media podcast about what’s actually happening in the media—not the over-sanitized, legal-and-standards-approved version you read online. Every Tuesday and Friday, join Dylan Byers, Puck’s veteran media reporter, and Julia Alexander, a longtime media analyst, as they sit down with TV personalities, moguls, political pundits and industry executives for raw, honest, sometimes salacious conversations about the business of media and its biggest egos. “The Grill Room,” an homage to the exclusive dining room within The Four Seasons where a generation of media executives consummated deals and traded gossip, is produced in partnership with Audacy Podcasts. The Grill Room is an extension of In the Room, Dylan’s private email for Puck, where he chronicles the intrigue and inside stories behind what’s really going on in the media industry—from the board room to the newsroom to the green room and everything in between. Subscribe here: https://puck.news/dylanbyers
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
May 13, 2025 • 51min
Upfronts Dish: NBC’s NBA Fantasy & The Fox News Bonanza
This podcast dives into the shifting tides of media with a focus on the recent upfronts. It examines NBC's bold strategy for live sports and how the NBA is poised for media dominance. The conversation also looks at Fox News as a standout among struggling cable networks. Amid changing viewer habits, the hosts discuss the critical role of sports in advertising and the challenges traditional broadcasters face from streaming giants. Plus, there's a creative twist with a nod to the art world, highlighting a notable exhibition.
May 9, 2025 • 58min
Gerry Baker’s Open Journal
Gerard Baker, former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, shares his insights on Trump's policies and their impact on the American brand. He discusses the Journal's critical stance within the polarized media landscape and how it maintains idelogical consistency while holding power to account. Baker reflects on the decline of media trust and the challenges faced in a politically charged atmosphere. He also warns about the risks to America's global reputation stemming from recent political decisions, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and truth in journalism.
May 7, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: Aspire with Emma Grede
Join a captivating exploration of success as Emma Grede shares insights from America's richest self-made women. Uncover the habits and strategies of top achievers across various fields. Expect personal stories and data-driven advice that inspire you to build your dream life. Discover practical career tips, strategies for well-being, and psychological insights that empower you to take charge of your future and thrive in business.
32 snips
May 6, 2025 • 56min
The Bravo-Industrial Complex
Julia Alexander, a media expert focused on the intersection of content and community, joins the discussion on the 'Bravo-fication' of the internet. She examines how reality TV shapes cultural trends and fuels endless engagement in media. Julia also delves into content distribution strategies, highlighting the power of platforms like LinkedIn and Substack. The conversation touches on the balance between tentpole events and niche communities, revealing how they drive loyalty and redefine media consumption.
9 snips
May 2, 2025 • 52min
‘60 Minutes’ to Midnight
The hosts dive into the challenges legacy media brands face, especially amid cable TV's decline. They discuss the implications of corporate pressures on journalistic integrity, particularly regarding '60 Minutes.' The shift in news consumption habits among younger viewers is also highlighted, with an emphasis on influencer-driven content. Plus, excitement builds for the NBA playoffs, and the conversation touches on the need for innovation in media to remain relevant. Lastly, insights into future air travel advancements amid AI competition keep things intriguing.
5 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 59min
Graydon Carter’s Golden Years
Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair and writer behind Airmail, shares insights from his storied career. He discusses the golden era of magazines and the challenges that led to Vanity Fair's decline post-2008. Carter offers a candid look at the evolving media landscape and emphasizes the importance of editorial integrity amidst financial pressures. He also expresses optimism about digital ventures and reflects on the personal dynamics that shaped the culture of high-profile magazine production.
12 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 52min
Google’s D.O.J. Showdown & YouTube-NFL Murmurs
Dive into the dramatic showdown between the D.O.J. and Google over ad-tech supremacy, and explore the ripple effects on the media landscape. Discover the potential game-changing alliance between YouTube and the NFL, reimagining sports broadcasting with innovative simulcasting. The discussion also sheds light on the pressures facing journalism today, highlighting the precarious balance between corporate interests and integrity. Join in as the speakers navigate the evolving media arena and its challengers.
Apr 22, 2025 • 55min
Jen Psaki in Her Prime Time
MSNBC’s Jen Psaki joins Dylan for a candid convo about her next chapter: hosting the network’s forthcoming nightly show. With today’s political discourse more combustible than ever, Psaki reflects on how she’s drawing from her tenure as White House press secretary to navigate a political-media ecosystem in overdrive. She also dishes on what it takes to cut through the noise in today’s oversaturated landscape—and why thriving in the chaos means doing everything, everywhere, all at once. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
7 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 45min
Zuck’s Trump Trial & F1 Deal Chatter
Join a fascinating discussion on the high-stakes world of Formula One as broadcasting rights loom large over its booming popularity in the U.S. The impact of the 'Drive to Survive' series and the rivalry between top drivers is explored, along with challenges in viewer engagement. In a twist, the conversation shifts to Mark Zuckerberg’s antitrust showdown, revealing the broader implications for tech monopolies. Finally, AI's transformative role in journalism is examined, raising questions about accountability and ethical considerations in the media landscape.
4 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 33min
Who's Afraid of Michael Wolff
In this insightful discussion, Michael Wolff, a renowned author and journalist known for his works on Donald Trump, dives into his profile of Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav. He examines Zaslav's rise to becoming an 'accidental media mogul' amidst fierce competition from tech giants like Amazon and Netflix. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of media, the challenges of launching streaming services, and the evolving roles of media executives. Wolff's keen observations reveal the intricate dynamics that define today's media industry.
