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
Jan 30, 2026 • 58min
Can Barry Diller Save CNN?
They debate whether a wealthy buyer could rescue a legacy news network and if ownership can fix structural digital problems. They discuss staff resistance to vague transformation plans and what concrete changes might actually attract new audiences. They also analyze Netflix’s engagement report and how the streamer repackages social creators and kids’ content to drive sustained viewing.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 43min
Food52’s Recipe for Bankruptcy
Erika Ayers Badan, former Barstool CEO and Food52 leader who steered companies through turnarounds and bankruptcy. She recounts how rapid, undisciplined growth and fragmented acquisitions led to collapse. She describes the intensity of navigating Chapter 11, the cash crunch that forced urgent sales, and why niche communities and diversified revenue matter going forward.
Jan 23, 2026 • 48min
Netflix vs. YouTube vs. Everybody
Dive into the world of media competition as Julia and Dylan unpack Netflix’s earnings and Ted Sarandos's bold views on the evolving TV landscape. They explore YouTube's future amidst the rise of AI and the relevance of aggregation in a noise-filled media space. With insights from Disneyland's design strategies to discussions on attention scarcity, the duo highlights the struggles of capturing viewer engagement. They also weigh the internal dynamics between YouTube and Instagram, pondering who will dominate your precious viewing time.
17 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 49min
Ben & Justin on Semafor’s $330M Valuation
Join Justin Smith, a seasoned media executive and co-founder of Semafor, alongside Ben Smith, an influential journalist and editor, as they dive into Semafor's impressive $330 million valuation following a recent $30 million funding round. They explore the economic mechanics that justify their valuation, argue the synergy of events and journalism, and share their vision for a global, independent news brand akin to The Economist. With plans for expansion and innovative journalism, they're poised to reshape media storytelling.
Jan 16, 2026 • 57min
CBS News on the Rocks
Dylan and Julia dive into the intriguing controversy surrounding CBS News' potential corporate sponsorship of 'Whiskey Fridays.' They explore whether such sponsorships can save a faltering news industry or undermine journalistic integrity. Historical precedents like Camel News Caravan are analyzed, alongside the risks of sponsor influence on reporting. The hosts also discuss the need for anchors to build creator-level trust and whether legacy media should embrace digital-native talent to thrive in a changing landscape.
4 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 49min
The Gospel According to VandeHei
Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios, shares his insights on the journalism landscape and AI's transformative potential. He discusses the media's trust deficit and the risks AI poses to news credibility. VandeHei argues that AI could lead to a golden age of quality reporting by allowing deeper journalism to flourish. He critiques legacy outlets like The Washington Post for lacking identity and examines the entrepreneurial spirit behind new media ventures. Additionally, he explores how AI can revitalize local journalism and enhance its reach.
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 11min
The Dokoupil Debacle & Semafor’s $330M Question
This week, the hosts dive into Tony Dokoupil's challenging start at CBS Evening News and the implications for the network's direction. They question Semafor's staggering $330 million valuation amidst doubts about its business model. The rise of AI-generated content on social platforms raises concerns about misinformation and authenticity. They also explore the fracturing trust in traditional journalism and discuss whether any media figure can unify audiences in such a fragmented landscape. A riveting discussion unfolds around media's shifting dynamics!
21 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 54min
Hollywood’s Future ’26 War Stories
Matt Belloni, a veteran media reporter and editor at Puck, dives into Hollywood's fierce bidding war with Netflix and Paramount over Warner Bros. Discovery. He discusses why Netflix is seen as the better fit and analyzes the industry's divided opinions on potential job cuts. The conversation also tackles AI's rising anxiety, particularly regarding Disney's Sora 2, and the upcoming 2026 film slate, highlighting both ambitious projects and potential pitfalls. Belloni names his Hollywood heroes and villains, igniting discussions on the future of content in an AI-influenced landscape.
43 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 52min
CNN Sale Chatter, Meta TV & Other 2026 Predictions
Dylan and Julia dive into the turbulent future of media, predicting major shifts including CNN's uncertain path and Disney's experimental ventures. They discuss generative AI's role in transforming studios and the potential job losses in the industry. Instagram Reels are projected to invade connected TVs, reshaping ad spending. The duo also explores podcasting's evolution into video and its multichannel ad opportunities. With bold forecasts, they contemplate what 2026 has in store for major players and emerging trends.
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 16min
Are the Kids… All Right?
Jim Steyer, the founder of Common Sense Media and a Stanford professor, dives into the pressing issues surrounding child safety in the tech landscape. He discusses the evolution of media ratings and the challenges posed by social media platforms. Steyer evaluates which tech leaders genuinely prioritize children's safety and stresses the importance of company values in shaping outcomes. He also touches on his upcoming podcast, his influential Stanford class, and shares insights on his brother Tom's gubernatorial campaign, highlighting their family's dedication to public service.
