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, as he sits 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
20 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 40min
Can MSNBC Survive Without NBC?
Andy Lack, former chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, dives into the pressing issues facing television news today. He discusses the fallout from CBS's Trump settlement and the challenges of MSNBC's identity. Lack sheds light on his new mission to launch sustainable local news outlets in the Deep South, emphasizing the importance of community-driven journalism. He also explores efforts to bridge political polarization through dialogue, advocating for local stories and investigative reporting as vital tools for accountability.
38 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Sports Super App Era
Dive into the transformation of sports media with insights on ESPN's ambitious super app. Discover how technology is reshaping the baseball experience, and learn about the contrasting streaming strategies of ESPN and Fox One. The discussion highlights the challenges of engaging younger audiences and navigating a landscape increasingly influenced by sports betting. Generative AI’s role in creating personalized sports content is also examined, painting a vivid picture of media's future as traditional networks adapt to new consumer behaviors.
10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 52min
Mo News, Less Problems
Mosheh Oinounou, founder of Mo News and former CBS Evening News executive producer, dives into the intriguing world of independent journalism. He shares insights on his journey transitioning from legacy media to digital platforms, revealing the growth challenges he faced. Oinounou discusses the pivotal role of AI in customizing news and how independent creators can shape narratives traditionally dominated by major networks. He also highlights the evolving media landscape and the need for authenticity in storytelling amidst technological changes.
68 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
Media’s Free Agency Era
Dive into the evolving media landscape as Julia Alexander discusses recent licensing deals that empower creators while keeping their independence. Explore the impact of 'Hard Knocks' on NFL fan engagement and the cultural significance of fantasy sports. Passionate tales of football fandom highlight the emotional connection fans have with the game. The conversation navigates the challenges and opportunities for legacy media adjusting to the creator economy, emphasizing the importance of embracing authenticity and innovation in this transformative era.
15 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 56min
Fox Gets Ruthless
Join Josh Holmes, a seasoned GOP strategist and co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, alongside Shashank Tripathi, aka Comfortably Smug, a witty conservative Twitter personality. They dive into their new partnership with Fox News, emphasizing the need for humor in conservative media. The duo shares insights on their journey from casual Zoom calls to a popular podcast, reflecting on the evolution of political commentary and the challenges posed by legacy media. They also discuss the significant impact of Trump's election on the media landscape.
23 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
Iger’s Endgame & Ellison’s Next Target
Dylan and Julia dive into the whirlwind of media news, discussing Disney's dynamic NFL deal and the implications of a potential ESPN spin-off. They explore the recent Paramount-Skydance merger, and chat about David Ellison's interest in Warner Bros. The hosts reflect on the intersection of tech and politics, analyzing how digital trends shape our media landscape. They also highlight the excitement of the NFL season and its impact on fans and journalism, while considering the future of major publications and the evolving role of media executives.
9 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 42min
Katie Drummond’s New 'Wired' Order
Katie Drummond, the Global Editorial Director of Wired, discusses her transformative vision for the magazine, turning it into a sharp critique of technology's social impact. She highlights the importance of original reporting and Wired's strategy to adapt to today's media landscape. The conversation addresses AI's looming threat to journalism, the need for accountability in tech narratives, and the role of global collaboration in shaping powerful storytelling. Drummond emphasizes a human-centered approach as journalism evolves amidst rapid technological changes.
8 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
WSJ vs. The Times & Media After Murdoch
Dive into the intense rivalry between the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times as they navigate Trump's legal dramas. Explore how editor Emma Tucker is reshaping the Journal to challenge its formidable competitor. Discover the future of journalism in a post-Murdoch world and the changing dynamics of talent acquisition among major media outlets. Delve into the impact of social media on public relations and the broader implications of media polarization on balanced reporting.
7 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 57min
The Vox Media Doctrine
Jim Bankoff, CEO of Vox Media, provides insights into the company's evolution and current $500 million valuation, half of its previous worth. He discusses the importance of talent-driven content and the central role of podcasts in their strategy. The conversation highlights the enduring value of legacy print publications and how Vox is navigating industry challenges like A.I. Bankoff emphasizes maintaining independence and quality amid a rapidly changing media landscape, addressing the complexities of media business valuations and the ongoing significance of print.
Jul 25, 2025 • 53min
Bari Deal Heat & Trump v. Murdoch
The podcast dives into the media's latest drama, including South Park's hilarious take on Trump and Paramount's financial fallout. The complex relationship between Trump and Rupert Murdoch unfolds, revealing high-stakes legal battles. Bari Weiss's ambitious valuation target for The Free Press prompts discussion on the future of independent journalism. Tech giants like Elon Musk reshape political landscapes, while the influence of media moguls sparks debate on content creation and audience engagement. Expect humor, insights, and a vibrant exchange of ideas all around!
