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
Sep 23, 2025 • 34min
Disney’s Kimmel Pivot & Ellison’s WBD Lasso
Kim Masters, a veteran Hollywood reporter known for her insightful analyses of the entertainment industry, joins to tackle some hot topics. She discusses the implications of Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC and how industry pressures are influencing that decision. The conversation also delves into Bob Iger's standing in Hollywood and examines David Ellison's ambitious plans for WarnerMedia. Kim highlights the risks of media consolidation and shares intriguing insights into the current creative landscape.
Sep 19, 2025 • 56min
Disney’s F.C.C. Fear Factor
Disney's puzzling choice to sideline Jimmy Kimmel under FCC pressure sparks a debate on media freedom and corporate integrity. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as the hosts explore public reactions and the implications for creative expression. They lighten the mood with a fun draft of media personalities, showcasing the stakes for industry leaders. The discussion also touches on The New York Times' subscription strategies and innovative plans involving AI and sports content, revealing how traditional media is adapting to new challenges.
53 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 28min
Meredith Kopit Levien’s New New York Times
Meredith Kopit Levien, C.E.O. of The New York Times, reveals her vision for transforming the publication into a vibrant lifestyle brand. She discusses leveraging AI for efficient journaling while keeping the human touch. The conversation dives into their strategy for reaching 15 million subscribers by 2027 and the success of The Athletic. Levien also highlights the evolution of media consumption, exploring the balance between business interests and editorial integrity, and emphasizes the importance of innovative advertising strategies.
14 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 53min
Rupert’s Last Rodeo & CNN’s Zombie Era
Delve into the murky waters of media ownership as Rupert Murdoch's leadership transitions spark debates about the future of Fox and News Corp. The podcast contrasts The Atlantic's innovative strategies with CNN’s ongoing struggles amidst a shifting landscape. Explore how legacy pressures weigh on billionaire heirs and the rush to adapt to digital platforms. Plus, learn about the fascinating impact of YouTuber iShowSpeed on NFL viewership, shedding light on the changing dynamics of media consumption.
7 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 26min
Lachlan’s Coup & The Murdoch Legacy
In this thrilling discussion, Peter Hamby, host of The Powers That Be podcast at Puck, invites Dylan Byers to unpack the dramatic succession saga of the Murdoch family. They delve into Lachlan Murdoch taking control of the empire while the other siblings cash out. The tension among family members echoes high-stakes drama, and they speculate on Lachlan’s contrasting leadership style and its impact on Fox News. The episode also touches on potential media ventures from James and Liz, highlighting the ever-evolving media landscape.
10 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 49min
The R.F.K. Media Antidote
Rick Berke, former Politico reporter and founder of STAT News, shares his journey of transforming STAT into a leading voice in life sciences journalism. He discusses the challenges subscription models face, particularly for legacy media outlets. The conversation highlights the critical role of science-driven health leadership and the unique storytelling necessary in health journalism, especially during the COVID pandemic. Berke also emphasizes how AI is reshaping newsrooms, revealing both risks and the opportunity for credible content.
Sep 5, 2025 • 57min
The Weissification of CBS News
The discussion centers on the potential acquisition of The Free Press and its implications for CBS News. With Bari Weiss at the helm, there’s speculation about transforming CBS into a center-right outlet amidst a left-leaning media landscape. They also dive into the ramifications of a groundbreaking Google antitrust ruling and the ongoing struggle against tech monopolies. The conversation highlights the evolving media environment, including the excitement around sports and the challenges traditional journalism faces in a world driven by opinion and digital content.
25 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
Should ESPN Copy The New York Times?
Andrew Rosen, a former Paramount executive and founder of PARQOR, joins the discussion to decode the digital strategies of ESPN and The New York Times. He critiques ESPN’s broad approach, arguing it sacrifices fan engagement for mass scale. Rosen advocates for a more personalized, consumer-focused model, similar to The Times and The Athletic. The conversation also delves into the growing impact of AI in media, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by traditional sports broadcasting in the digital age.
11 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
The New A.I. Times & Portnoy vs. McAfee
This week, the hosts explore The New York Times' bold investment in A.I. and its implications for journalism. They dissect Disney's pricing dilemmas, highlighting issues of access and inequality. The brewing rivalry between Portnoy and McAfee adds a lively twist, as they reflect on college football's rising media stakes. Meanwhile, they discuss how modern sports media is evolving, embracing interactive formats that resonate with younger audiences. The cocktail preferences segment adds a dash of lighthearted banter to the mix.
24 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 40min
Can MSNBC Survive Without NBC?
Andy Lack, former chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, dives into the pressing issues facing television news today. He discusses the fallout from CBS's Trump settlement and the challenges of MSNBC's identity. Lack sheds light on his new mission to launch sustainable local news outlets in the Deep South, emphasizing the importance of community-driven journalism. He also explores efforts to bridge political polarization through dialogue, advocating for local stories and investigative reporting as vital tools for accountability.
