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 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!
24 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 48min
The $5M TBPN Playbook
John Coogan and Jordi Hays, co-hosts of the Technology Business Programming Network, share their journey from a one-hour weekly show to a dynamic five-day live broadcast raking in $5M in ad revenue. They discuss captivating both Silicon Valley and Wall Street, emphasizing the benefits of a live format that enhances viewer engagement. John and Jordi also delve into their unique approach to guest selection and production, and their vision for maintaining a durable show while avoiding venture-funded pitfalls. Tune in for insights on making live monetization unskippable!
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 11min
Can Bari Save CBS?
Julia and Dylan explore the polarized reactions to Bari Weiss's appointment at CBS News, debating its implications for the network. They dive into the Ellisons' strategic motives behind the hire and how Weiss's approach may challenge CBS's traditional identity. Mixed internal sentiments from CBS staff are unpacked, along with thoughts on whether Weiss can transition from her Substack roots to manage a major news outlet. The duo also discusses the potential impact on advertisers and the future of news as a unifying brand amid growing polarization.
6 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
The MAGA Creator Industrial Complex
Chris Balfe, the Founder and CEO of Red Seat Ventures, dives into the thriving independent creator economy. He discusses how creators can scale and unlock new revenue streams while maintaining independence from traditional media. Balfe shares insights on the rapid Fox acquisition and highlights the service models that support diverse creators, spanning from Tucker Carlson to various voices in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and differentiation, while also tackling the dual role of AI in both aiding and challenging creators.
