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
Mar 7, 2025 • 43min
White House Press Pool Kremlinology
‘The New York Times’ Peter Baker joins Dylan to dissect the fraught relationship between the Trump White House and the press, from expelling the Associated Press to handpicking the press pool—tactics he likens to historical press suppression in Russia. They also weigh in on the changes at ‘The Washington Post’ under Jeff Bezos, and the fight to maintain journalistic integrity in an increasingly politically charged environment. 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
4 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 30min
Zaz's Cablenomics
Bill Cohan, a renowned financial journalist and author, joins to discuss the evolution of Warner Bros. Discovery following its significant merger. He highlights the company's rising streaming profits and the strategic challenges stemming from a $19 billion debt reduction. Cohan speculates about potential mergers with NBCUniversal and examines the impact of losing NBA rights. He also addresses broader trends in the media landscape, including effects on networks like CNN and the complexities faced in investor confidence amidst declining earnings.
6 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Oppenheim’s Opus
Noah Oppenheim, former president of NBC News and creative force behind Netflix's 'Zero Day,' discusses the media's uncertain future. He shares candid insights on MSNBC's chaos and dives into the evolving landscape of big media, emphasizing trust in journalism. Oppenheim explains the challenges of spinoffs and the need for innovative leadership in news. He also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the making of 'Zero Day,' exploring its poignant themes on cyber attacks and societal turmoil.
8 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 48min
30 Rock’s Kutler Era
Sara Fischer, Axios’s media reporter known for her insights into the media landscape, joins the conversation to dissect the changing tides at MSNBC under Rebecca Kutler's leadership. They explore strategic shifts aimed at revitalizing the network while assessing the broader implications for broadcast news in a streaming-dominated world. The discussion highlights the challenges traditional news faces against digital platforms and the rising significance of podcasts, emphasizing the evolving nature of audience engagement in today's media landscape.
Feb 21, 2025 • 37min
A White House Media War
Eriq Gardner joins Dylan to dissect the wave of MAGA-driven lawsuits targeting Trump’s media adversaries. Eriq highlights casino magnate Steve Wynn’s efforts to revive his 2018 defamation suit against the Associated Press, which he hopes is elevated to the Supreme Court, potentially setting the stage for a SCOTUS showdown that could challenge the landmark ‘Times v. Sullivan’ ruling. The duo debate whether a better legal framework exists and suggest how media organizations can navigate these shifting legal battlegrounds. 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
51 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 55min
Troy Young's A.I. Love Language
Troy Young, the former president of Hearst Magazines, discusses the seismic changes AI brings to the media landscape. He highlights how AI accelerates declines in traditional media and underscores the necessity for stronger IP protections. Young dives into the challenges that legacy brands face while navigating an AI-driven future and explores innovative monetization strategies. The conversation also reflects on the balance between technological efficiency and the depth of journalism, emphasizing the evolution of audience engagement.
15 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 34min
Bonus Episode: Media on the Brink
John Kelly, co-founder and head of Puck, dives into pressing trends shaping the media landscape. He discusses CBS News’s struggles amidst their corporate ties to Trump, and how Fox News is solidifying its position. Kelly also shares insights on how renowned publications like 'The Atlantic' and 'The New Yorker' can adapt to thrive in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the need for innovation in the print industry. The conversation highlights the evolving relationships between media, business, and politics.
7 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 49min
Emily Sundberg's Indie Media Playbook
Emily Sundberg, creator of Feed Me, joins Dylan for an in-depth look at her meteoric rise as an independent Substacker. Having amassed 60,000 subscribers—and counting—Emily shares how authenticity, adaptability, and audience engagement have fueled her success. She also discusses self-funding her company without outside financing, the potential risks of a fully decentralized media landscape, and her plans to expand beyond Substack while leveraging her growing platform. 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
12 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 45min
David Remnick on The New Yorker's Centennial
David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker for nearly 30 years, shares insights on the magazine's centennial journey. He reflects on its evolution from a comic publication to a serious journal, tackling modern challenges like AI and maintaining a loyal subscriber base. Remnick discusses the importance of high-quality storytelling and strong leadership in the media landscape, while celebrating the enduring legacy and impact of influential journalism. Personal anecdotes add a rich layer to the story of this iconic magazine.
13 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 57min
The Atlantic's A.I. Survival Kit
Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, discusses the existential challenges facing media in the age of A.I. He shares insights into building direct reader relationships to reduce dependence on tech platforms. The conversation touches on reviving print media and optimizing paywalls to enhance profitability. Thompson also explores the transformational impact of A.I. on journalism, emphasizing the need for traditional media to adapt amidst the rise of low-cost A.I. competitors. His perspective merges expertise from tech journalism with strategic leadership in today's evolving landscape.
