The Powers That Be: Daily

Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby dive into the fallout from the Murdoch trust settlement, revealing the tension within the family and its impact on their media empire. They also discuss Ellison's bold move in the World Bank Discovery takeover attempt, weighing the implications for the industry. A humorous anecdote about searching for a lost magazine in Venice adds a nostalgic touch amidst serious media mergers and the complexities of powerful family dynamics. The podcast highlights the intricate dance between power, wealth, and personal relationships in media.

Pablo Torre, a former ESPN writer and investigative sleuth, dives into the wild world of sports journalism with John. He shares insights from his bombshell report on the Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention. The conversation touches on the shifting landscape of investigative journalism in podcasting and the challenges of maintaining editorial independence while collaborating with major outlets. Torre also discusses the allure of a Clippers documentary and his hopes for expanding his podcast into television, showcasing the evolving nature of storytelling in sports.

Julia Alexander, an expert on NFL broadcasts and tensions between A.I. companies and publishers, joins to discuss the current NFL season. She analyzes whether streaming services like Peacock and YouTube are engaging fans better than traditional networks. Julia passionately delves into the evolving landscape of A.I. in the news, highlighting its impact on revenue and information accuracy, while showcasing the struggles between publishers and A.I. platforms in the era of misinformation.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist at Puck specializing in AI lawsuits, joins the discussion on the wave of legal challenges facing AI technologies. He dives into major cases against companies like Midjourney as entertainment giants assert copyright infringement. Gardner sheds light on a significant settlement involving Anthropic, accused of exploiting countless literary works, raising critical questions about author compensation and AI accountability. The conversation explores how these legal battles could reshape future AI regulations.

Dylan Byers, a media reporter at Puck and author of "In the Room," joins to delve into the dramatic saga of the Murdoch family's succession. He reveals how Lachlan Murdoch inherits the media empire while his siblings walk away with substantial payouts. The conversation navigates the implications for Fox’s future and Rupert’s continued influence at 94. They even draw parallels between the family’s dynamics and Shakespearean drama, pondering if James and Liz will emerge to challenge their family's stronghold in media.

Bill Cohan, a Puck contributor and author of 'Dry Powder', joins to unpack Paul Ryan's recent alarm about the national debt, sharing insights from his exclusive Wyoming retreat. He sheds light on Ryan's views on Trump's tariffs and the potential for bipartisan cooperation. The conversation shifts to Wall Street's anxiety over rising political star Zohran Mamdani and his mayoral candidacy, exploring how his campaign might impact the city’s economy and wealthy tax concerns. It’s a mix of politics, finance, and insider perspectives!

The discussion dives into the potential $100 million deal for Bari Weiss’s The Free Press and what it could mean for CBS News. They explore the shifting landscape of media and assess the implications of Weiss's involvement. The conversation also critiques ESPN's ambitious new app and its challenges in adapting to a direct-to-consumer market. Insights on the struggles of traditional media companies in connecting with modern audiences highlight the broader conversation about innovation and consolidation in the media world.

Glenn 'GT' Thompson, House Agriculture Chairman from Pennsylvania, dives deep into the complexities of the Farm Bill, emphasizing its implications for food security and trade. He shares insights on the importance of bipartisan efforts in agricultural policy and contrasts his leadership challenges with those faced by school board members. The discussion also touches on SNAP benefits, the challenges of rural America, and the evolving political dynamics in Pennsylvania, highlighting both the struggles and the strategic opportunities in agriculture.

Marion Maneker, author of 'Wallpower' and an expert on the auction world, joins to dissect the recent controversy engulfing Sotheby’s and its billionaire owner, Patrick Drahi. They discuss allegations of unethical side-dealing among employees that have given rival Christie's a competitive edge. Marion also explores the shifting culture at Sotheby’s, the ethical dilemmas faced in the art market, and how reputation impacts client decisions. The podcast promises a captivating look at high-stakes art auctions amidst scandal.

Bill Cohan, an expert journalist at Puck and author known for his deep insights on Wall Street, joins to unravel Trump's controversial role in the private sector from the White House. They discuss how Trump picked corporate winners, often using taxpayer money for his deals, while his motivations remain unclear. The conversation dives into the potential fallout of mixing politics with business interests, critiques of corporate governance, and the economic implications of a former president's bond portfolio on market confidence.