The Grill Room The Dokoupil Debacle & Semafor’s $330M Question
Jan 9, 2026
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!
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Episode notes
Evening Broadcast News Is Losing Mass Reach
- Broadcast evening news is a dying format with most viewers aged 65+, so reinvention is necessary to reach broader audiences.
- CBS's shift under Barry Weiss gained attention but must bridge TV rules and digital-native instincts to matter.
Execution Trumps Editorial Realignment
- Execution matters more than political alignment when overhauling a legacy newsroom.
- Dylan warns that Barry Weiss's lack of television management skills has caused newsroom friction and visible on-air mistakes.
Make News An Event, Not A Rehash
- Eventize news and create live, appointment viewing to regain attention, but booking must be exceptional to succeed.
- Focus on high-quality live moments rather than rehashing interviews available widely online.