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
18 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 40min
Can Local Media Actually Be… Saved?
Steve Grove, CEO of The Minnesota Star Tribune and former Google News Lab director, engages in a lively discussion about the future of local journalism. He addresses the existential threats it faces, like declining print subscriptions and the need for innovative strategies. Grove shares insights about the importance of homepage traffic, why high school sports coverage resonates with audiences, and how AI can enhance local media. His reflections on community impact and cultural identity emphasize the crucial role of journalism in fostering civic engagement.
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h
WBD Divorce Notes & VF Gets Vogue’d
Joining the discussion is Lauren Sherman, a fashion industry expert and partner at Puck. She shares insights on the chaos following Warner Bros. Discovery’s split, impacting major players like HBO and CNN. The conversation dives into how Google's A.I. is reshaping media dynamics, plus the potential of Mark Guaduci taking the helm at Vanity Fair. Can he navigate the challenges of modern publishing? With traditional media evolving, the importance of innovation in journalism is more critical than ever.
Jun 10, 2025 • 56min
Inside ‘Original Sin’
Alex Thompson, Axios reporter and co-author of 'Original Sin' with Jake Tapper, dives into the media's role in covering President Biden’s cognitive decline. He discusses the ethical challenges journalists face, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The conversation touches on Karine Jean-Pierre's political pivot and the implications for the Democratic Party. Thompson explores how media narratives shape public perceptions and the urgent need for responsible journalism in today's complex media landscape.
21 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 54min
Media’s A.I. Spring
The hosts dive into the evolving dynamics of sports streaming, emphasizing audience engagement over simple viewership numbers. They discuss the groundbreaking soccer tournament with a billion-dollar prize, alongside DAZN's struggles in the U.S. market. Generative AI's potential disruption of the advertising industry is a highlight, exploring its effects on creativity and employment. The conversation also touches on the transformation in audience measurement, requiring media companies to adapt to new viewing behaviors for effective advertising.
Jun 3, 2025 • 35min
The Zaz Report
Bill Cohan, a financial expert and partner at Puck, joins to dissect the recent credit downgrade of Warner Bros. Discovery. He questions whether David Zaslav can effectively spin off cable assets amidst looming debt repayment challenges. The conversation also highlights Paramount's urgent negotiations with Skydance to secure a deal before a critical conference. Cohan breaks down the implications of these corporate strategies on market perceptions and the shifting dynamics in the media landscape.
8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 51min
Disney’s Pre-K Anxieties & A YouTube Talent War
The hosts dive into Disney's strategy of acquiring Cocomelon, exploring its potential to regain dominance in kids' content. They discuss the competitive landscape, particularly with YouTube aggressively targeting live sports rights and the implications for traditional media. Nostalgia surfaces as they reflect on the impact of NBA on TNT ending, while highlighting shifts in sports media consumption. The chat also touches on the vulnerabilities of media companies in adapting to digital challenges and the evolving dynamics of children's programming.
12 snips
May 27, 2025 • 34min
The Apple of MLB’s Eye
Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck and Dylan Byers' boss, dives deep into Major League Baseball's media rights negotiations, spotlighting potential deals with NBC and Apple. They explore the complex landscape of sports broadcasting and how traditional media is adapting to new viewing habits. The conversation also reveals the political ramifications of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book, ‘Original Sin,’ exposing fractures within the Democratic Party and the Biden administration's media strategies.
20 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h
Sam Altman’s $6.5 Billion Bet
In a fascinating collaboration, Sam Altman and Jony Ive are set to redefine AI with a new hardware project. The discussion takes a sharp turn as ESPN navigates its shift from cable to a thriving app platform, tackling subscriber retention and the rise of sports betting. Listeners will enjoy personal anecdotes from San Francisco and LA, uncovering the unique challenges during the pandemic and exploring future tech in sports. The evolving landscape of sports viewing and technology's role in community building are also on the table, offering a blend of insight and humor.
27 snips
May 20, 2025 • 56min
Jimmy Pitaro’s New ESPN
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, leads the charge in the company's digital transformation. He discusses the launch of their D.T.C. product and the ambitious marketing strategy behind it. Pitaro dives into ESPN's rights portfolio, the critical ongoing MLB negotiations, and the integration of sports betting into their platform. He emphasizes the importance of subscriber relationships and the challenges of transitioning from traditional cable. Personal anecdotes unveil his passion for sports and the joy it brings to his family.
12 snips
May 16, 2025 • 35min
Why Fox Won’t Fade
Jeff Collins, the head of advertising sales for Fox, shares insights into the network's success amid cable's decline. He highlights how a strategic focus on live sports and news has fueled impressive growth and advertiser interest. Collins explains the importance of upfronts and how Fox's diverse programming is attracting a wider audience, including independents. The conversation also touches on the NFL's cultural significance and upcoming major sports events, showcasing Fox's strong position in an evolving media landscape.
