The Grill Room MSNBC’s $20M Makeover & Mamdani’s Media Magic
Nov 7, 2025
This week, the discussion highlights Zohran Mamdani's innovative social media campaign for New York mayor, contrasting it with more manufactured strategies. The hosts dive into MSNBC's rebranding to MS NOW and its impact on ratings. They also examine the unique carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, along with ESPN's shift from Penn to DraftKings, exploring how these changes influence sports betting and editorial practices. The conversation reflects on how digital platforms shape political engagement and media consumption.
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Authenticity Wins On The Right Platform
- Zohran Mamdani's campaign succeeded by blending real-world presence with authentic social media fluency.
- Authenticity on the right platform matters more than mimicry of louder tactics, Dylan Byers argues.
Hunting The Post And Watching In Real Life
- Julia hunted multiple bodegas to secure a New York Post print cover after the election.
- She described the buzz of watch parties and how the campaign felt palpably IRL in New York.
Genuineness Trumps Strategic Mimicry
- Political media success depends on perceived genuineness, not just adopting tactics.
- Dylan contrasts Newsom's labored social-media mimicry with Mamdani's natural fluency.
