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
Nov 18, 2025 • 56min
Olivia Nuzzi’s Media Mirage & Gerry Cardinale’s Broadsheet Blues
The hosts dive into Olivia Nuzzi's compelling profiles, revealing the complex ties between celebrity culture and legacy media. They explore the battle for The Telegraph amidst British resistance and ponder how social media affects audience engagement. The discussions touch on the changing dynamic of accepting Middle Eastern investments and Jeff Bezos's new AI venture's impact on The Washington Post. They conclude with a focus on legacy media's survival, emphasizing the need for constant reinvention in a rapidly evolving landscape.
15 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
A $420M Mamdani Surprise & Bankoff’s Podcast Spin Plan
The hosts dive into the hype around prediction markets and their influence on politics, highlighted by a $420 million buzz over a mayoral election. The BBC faces a potential legal showdown with Trump, raising questions about its nonpartisan image. Jim Bankoff's strategy for Vox Media's podcast spin-off stirs discussions on the evolving value of talent versus legacy brands. Meanwhile, Bob Iger hints at Disney's careful exploration of AI-generated content, balancing innovation with brand safety.
30 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 51min
A.I.’s Mass Media Makeover
Ian Krietzberg, a reporter at Puck known for his keen insights on AI, dives into the evolving landscape of media dominated by artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI rewires audience behaviors and challenges trust in news. Krietzberg warns of potential pitfalls like bad data and high energy costs that could hinder progress. He emphasizes that exclusive content and credibility will be critical for media survival in this algorithm-driven world. The conversation tackles the delicate balance between AI's promise and its risks, particularly in fostering trust.
Nov 7, 2025 • 60min
MSNBC’s $20M Makeover & Mamdani’s Media Magic
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.
Nov 4, 2025 • 57min
The WBD Hunger Games
Rich Greenfield, a media analyst at Lightshed Partners, dives into the high-stakes bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. He analyzes the motivations of major players like Paramount and Comcast, along with lurking giants Netflix and Amazon. Rich discusses potential overpayments and regulatory challenges for bidders. He also shares insights on the importance of daily engagement in streaming and lessons from Disney's acquisition of Fox. The conversation wraps up with predictions on who might clinch the deal.
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 23min
Comcast’s Peacock Problem & Elon’s Grokipedia
The hosts dive into Comcast's recent earnings and Peacock's stagnation, exploring its struggle against free ad-supported platforms. They debate the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and what that could mean for CNN and cable assets. CNN's late streaming launch raises eyebrows, especially with app usability issues and a dwindling brand appeal among younger audiences. Finally, they tackle Elon Musk's Grokipedia and the dangers of AI-driven misinformation, while retaining a hopeful outlook for rebuilding trust in information.
25 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 38min
Neal Mohan’s YouTube Endgame
Neal Mohan, YouTube's CEO known for his pioneering work in digital advertising, and creator Michelle Khare, famed for her Challenge Accepted series, dive into YouTube's expansive growth and future direction. They discuss the creator economy's evolution and the impact of AI on content creation and viewer engagement. Neal highlights creative freedom and diverse revenue streams, while Michelle shares insights on using AI tools for production efficiency. Together, they explore how YouTube is reshaping storytelling and viewer experiences in the digital landscape.
17 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Times’ TikTok Era & The Zaz-WBD Whisper Network
The discussion dives into the buzz around David Zaslav's potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and the strategic implications for various buyers. The New York Times is embracing short-form video, aiming to draw in TikTok and Instagram audiences while enhancing retention for existing readers. YouTube's challenges with Shorts and the contrasting dynamics of long-form content are also explored. The hosts reflect on the changing media landscape, personality-driven sports coverage, and the overall maturation of the streaming industry.
Oct 21, 2025 • 57min
The Bulwark’s Seven-Year War
Sarah Longwell, the co-founder and publisher of The Bulwark, shares her insights on the media landscape as a former Republican strategist. She discusses the evolution of their never-Trump mission into a broader pro-democracy agenda. The conversation reveals their strategies for audience engagement, including live events and multi-platform content. Longwell also reflects on their growth during pivotal political moments and warns of right-wing media consolidation, stressing the importance of maintaining editorial independence.
24 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Netflix-Spotify Marriage and Gerry’s Media Land Grab
Dive into the exciting intersection of media as Netflix and Spotify shake things up with exclusive podcast deals. Explore the rise of athlete-owned media and Pat McAfee's dominance on YouTube. Discover why intimate, casual vibes resonate with audiences and what legacy brands like CBS News need to thrive. The looming layoffs at major newsrooms bring a human touch to the industry challenges. Plus, a critical look at Apple's strategy with its services and missed opportunities for CNN. It's a whirlwind of insights you won't want to miss!
