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
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 14min
Media’s Biggest Winners & Losers of 2024
Join political commentator John Heilemann as he unpacks the tumultuous year in media. Heilemann discusses the unsettling alliance between tech giants and Trump, alongside Jeff Bezos's challenges at The Washington Post. He highlights the shifting media landscape, particularly the rise of podcasting, as a dominant force in political discourse and the complex dynamics of audience engagement. The conversation also critiques the media's accountability and the twisted power of platforms like X, making 2024 a pivotal year in the industry's evolution.
Dec 24, 2024 • 42min
Axelrod on the Art of the Pod
David Axelrod, a renowned Democratic strategist and CNN commentator, shares his insights on the evolution of podcasting and its impact on politics and culture. He humorously recounts the early days of his podcasting journey and emphasizes the power of authentic conversations in a digital age. Axelrod also discusses the challenges of navigating political discourse during the Trump era and highlights the importance of genuine engagement over traditional media formats. With a nod to jazz improvisation, he connects spontaneity to the art of crafting compelling dialogues.
Dec 20, 2024 • 50min
The WaPo National Nightmare Ends
Jon Kelly, co-founder and editor of Puck, analyzes the surprising appointment of Matt Murray as executive editor of The Washington Post and the impact on media leadership dynamics. Eric Gardner, Puck's legal expert, weighs in on Bob Iger's recent settlement concerning media ethics and its broader implications amid industry challenges. They explore the disconnect between executive compensation and viewership, along with the complexities surrounding libel settlements, highlighting the ongoing evolution of journalism and corporate behavior.
Dec 17, 2024 • 46min
Why Did ABC News Fold to Trump?
Legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin delves into ABC News’ shocking $15 million settlement with Trump, raising eyebrows across the media landscape. He discusses the potential chilling effects this decision may have on press freedom and the daunting pressures journalists face. Toobin further analyzes how such settlements could reshape defamation law and the integrity of reporting, all against the backdrop of growing political influence and the chilling concept of 'anticipatory obedience' among media organizations. A must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of journalism!
Dec 13, 2024 • 41min
WBD’s New Zazonomics
Bill Cohan, a seasoned financial journalist and author, joins Dylan to unpack David Zaslav’s bold move to separate Warner Bros. Discovery’s growth assets from its wavering linear TV networks. They explore the euphoric response from Wall Street and delve into Zaz’s strategic intentions: build, sell, or spin-off? The discussion touches on CNN's financial future, the shifting media landscape, and the implications of corporate restructuring in a rapidly evolving environment.
Dec 10, 2024 • 59min
Barry and The Beast
Barry Diller, a legendary media mogul and the chairman of IAC and Expedia, joins Dylan for a dynamic conversation about the shifting media landscape. They discuss the future of Comcast's cable assets and whether they'll find success as a reimagined bundle. The pair dives into The Daily Beast's potential evolution into a business powerhouse. Barry also shares his optimistic outlook on the Democratic Party’s future amid the challenges posed by Trump and Elon Musk, offering a fresh perspective on resilience in the industry.
4 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 3min
Troy Story
Troy Young, former president of Hearst Magazines and now a media advisor and investor, joins Dylan for an insightful discussion. They dissect the challenges faced by The Washington Post and CNN, questioning whether current leadership can steer these giants through turbulent times. Troy highlights the need for authenticity in media, critique scripted news, and the importance of engaging content to attract modern audiences. The conversation also touches on the transformative impact of digital platforms and the evolving dynamics of media consumption.
Dec 3, 2024 • 52min
What the Hell Happened to CNN+?
Andrew Morse, CEO of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and former digital chief of CNN, shares insights from his extensive media career. He discusses the unceremonious cancellation of CNN+ and what it reveals about challenges in the news landscape. Morse also reflects on his clashes with CNN's leadership and the necessity for a direct-to-consumer model. He emphasizes revitalizing local journalism by investing in quality content and technology to engage diverse audiences, all while navigating the complexities of today’s media environment.
7 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 58min
New Right Media’s Billion-Dollar Play
Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, dives into the explosive growth of alternative media and its influence on politics. He critiques legacy media's failures to resonate with modern audiences and sheds light on the effective strategies that helped his company approach $200 million in revenue. The conversation highlights the shifting political narratives ahead of the 2024 election, the challenges media faces in reflecting public sentiment, and the importance of fostering authentic discussions in a polarized landscape.
Nov 26, 2024 • 53min
Punchbowl’s Big Fish
Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer, co-founders of Punchbowl News and former Politico stars, share their journey from top journalists to media innovators. They discuss the inception of Punchbowl and its laser focus on Capitol Hill news. The duo dives into the challenges of navigating the ever-changing media landscape, the revolutionary data integration tool for Capitol Hill professionals, and the potential of niche subscription markets. They reflect on the importance of audience engagement and the competitive spirit needed to thrive in today's journalism.
