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
Sep 9, 2025 • 49min
The R.F.K. Media Antidote
Rick Berke, former Politico reporter and founder of STAT News, shares his journey of transforming STAT into a leading voice in life sciences journalism. He discusses the challenges subscription models face, particularly for legacy media outlets. The conversation highlights the critical role of science-driven health leadership and the unique storytelling necessary in health journalism, especially during the COVID pandemic. Berke also emphasizes how AI is reshaping newsrooms, revealing both risks and the opportunity for credible content.
Sep 5, 2025 • 57min
The Weissification of CBS News
The discussion centers on the potential acquisition of The Free Press and its implications for CBS News. With Bari Weiss at the helm, there’s speculation about transforming CBS into a center-right outlet amidst a left-leaning media landscape. They also dive into the ramifications of a groundbreaking Google antitrust ruling and the ongoing struggle against tech monopolies. The conversation highlights the evolving media environment, including the excitement around sports and the challenges traditional journalism faces in a world driven by opinion and digital content.
25 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
Should ESPN Copy The New York Times?
Andrew Rosen, a former Paramount executive and founder of PARQOR, joins the discussion to decode the digital strategies of ESPN and The New York Times. He critiques ESPN’s broad approach, arguing it sacrifices fan engagement for mass scale. Rosen advocates for a more personalized, consumer-focused model, similar to The Times and The Athletic. The conversation also delves into the growing impact of AI in media, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by traditional sports broadcasting in the digital age.
11 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
The New A.I. Times & Portnoy vs. McAfee
This week, the hosts explore The New York Times' bold investment in A.I. and its implications for journalism. They dissect Disney's pricing dilemmas, highlighting issues of access and inequality. The brewing rivalry between Portnoy and McAfee adds a lively twist, as they reflect on college football's rising media stakes. Meanwhile, they discuss how modern sports media is evolving, embracing interactive formats that resonate with younger audiences. The cocktail preferences segment adds a dash of lighthearted banter to the mix.
24 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.
