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
Jan 16, 2026 • 57min
CBS News on the Rocks
Dylan and Julia dive into the intriguing controversy surrounding CBS News' potential corporate sponsorship of 'Whiskey Fridays.' They explore whether such sponsorships can save a faltering news industry or undermine journalistic integrity. Historical precedents like Camel News Caravan are analyzed, alongside the risks of sponsor influence on reporting. The hosts also discuss the need for anchors to build creator-level trust and whether legacy media should embrace digital-native talent to thrive in a changing landscape.
Jan 13, 2026 • 49min
The Gospel According to VandeHei
Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios, shares his insights on the journalism landscape and AI's transformative potential. He discusses the media's trust deficit and the risks AI poses to news credibility. VandeHei argues that AI could lead to a golden age of quality reporting by allowing deeper journalism to flourish. He critiques legacy outlets like The Washington Post for lacking identity and examines the entrepreneurial spirit behind new media ventures. Additionally, he explores how AI can revitalize local journalism and enhance its reach.
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 11min
The Dokoupil Debacle & Semafor’s $330M Question
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!
12 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 54min
Hollywood’s Future ’26 War Stories
Matt Belloni, a veteran media reporter and editor at Puck, dives into Hollywood's fierce bidding war with Netflix and Paramount over Warner Bros. Discovery. He discusses why Netflix is seen as the better fit and analyzes the industry's divided opinions on potential job cuts. The conversation also tackles AI's rising anxiety, particularly regarding Disney's Sora 2, and the upcoming 2026 film slate, highlighting both ambitious projects and potential pitfalls. Belloni names his Hollywood heroes and villains, igniting discussions on the future of content in an AI-influenced landscape.
43 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 52min
CNN Sale Chatter, Meta TV & Other 2026 Predictions
Dylan and Julia dive into the turbulent future of media, predicting major shifts including CNN's uncertain path and Disney's experimental ventures. They discuss generative AI's role in transforming studios and the potential job losses in the industry. Instagram Reels are projected to invade connected TVs, reshaping ad spending. The duo also explores podcasting's evolution into video and its multichannel ad opportunities. With bold forecasts, they contemplate what 2026 has in store for major players and emerging trends.
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 16min
Are the Kids… All Right?
Jim Steyer, the founder of Common Sense Media and a Stanford professor, dives into the pressing issues surrounding child safety in the tech landscape. He discusses the evolution of media ratings and the challenges posed by social media platforms. Steyer evaluates which tech leaders genuinely prioritize children's safety and stresses the importance of company values in shaping outcomes. He also touches on his upcoming podcast, his influential Stanford class, and shares insights on his brother Tom's gubernatorial campaign, highlighting their family's dedication to public service.
35 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 52min
Media’s ’25 Crisis of Nerve
Join Julia and Dylan as they dissect the tumultuous media landscape of 2025. They kick off with the controversy surrounding Bari Weiss's pulled segment on '60 Minutes' and its implications for credibility. With discussions on David Ellison’s Warner Bros. bid and Trump's undeniable impact, the dialogue highlights pressures on legacy media outlets. They explore the clash between youthful leadership and institutional norms, while also celebrating the rise of independent creators and the playful side of new media tools. It's a mix of critique and optimism!
10 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
Katie Couric Goes Direct
In a captivating discussion, veteran journalist Katie Couric reflects on her illustrious career, revealing the challenges of transitioning to digital media and the importance of authenticity in today’s landscape. She shares insights on interviewing powerful figures like Donald Trump, the impact of corporate pressure on journalism, and her mission with Katie Couric Media to combat misinformation. Couric also opens up about her candid memoir and the personal growth it sparked, making this conversation a must-listen for media enthusiasts.
Dec 19, 2025 • 40min
Media’s Anxiety Index
Join a lively discussion as industry experts explore the media's anxiety index, focusing on the rise of subscription models and the impact of the FAST revolution. They debate the battle between niche strategies versus scale, analyze why top journalists stick to established outlets, and share insights on the potential pitfalls of AI in content creation. Catch intriguing perspectives on individual talent franchises and how views on major organizations are shifting, all tied together by fresh data from a revealing survey.
10 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 51min
Sorkin’s Rules of Engagement
Andrew Ross Sorkin, founder of DealBook and co-host of CNBC's Squawk Box, shares insights from his dynamic media career. He discusses his daily routine, emphasizing quality over quantity in journalism. Sorkin reveals his interview techniques, highlighting empathy as a crucial tool for engaging tough guests. He shares anecdotes about his most impactful interviews, including with Elon Musk, and dreams of inviting the Pope to the DealBook Summit. Aspiring journalists will appreciate his advice on specialization and audience engagement.
