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
15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 46min
YouTube’s Niche Trap & A.I. Copyright Complexifiers
The conversation dives into YouTube’s niche content success and why Netflix might not want to replicate it. The duo discusses the shift towards quality over quantity in entertainment, and how traditional media is adjusting to modern audience demands. A pivotal court ruling on AI's use of copyrighted material raises significant copyright issues for content creators. Amusing road trip tales lead to reflections on cultural celebrations, while the impact of gaming franchises and user engagement in digital spaces spark fascinating insights.
12 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 46min
Front Office Sports 101
Adam White, Founder and CEO of Front Office Sports, shares his inspiring journey of turning a college project into a thriving media company. He discusses the unique editorial approach that keeps them competitive in a crowded sports media landscape. The conversation highlights their new venture, Front Office Sports Studios, aimed at producing engaging sports documentaries and films. Adam also addresses the challenges of media entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creative storytelling in building a successful brand.
11 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 56min
Oliver Darcy’s Status Report
Oliver Darcy, founder of Status and former CNN media reporter, dives into the intricate world of independent media. He shares his journey launching a sustainable news platform without external funding. The conversation covers the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity amidst the A.I. revolution and the struggle for unique reporting in a crowded space. Darcy discusses the importance of personal relationships in journalism and offers insights into alternative models for media creators seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
10 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 55min
How YouTube Ate the Media
The hosts reflect on YouTube's profound impact on the media landscape over the past two decades. They discuss the rise of the creator economy and the challenges of transitioning from traditional media to digital platforms. The conversation dives into the importance of authenticity in podcasts and the rise of video formats. Additionally, they explore how YouTube shapes sports viewing experiences and the struggles faced by niche content creators navigating monetization challenges. The hosts also share playful critiques of popular shows, highlighting their complex relationship with media.
18 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 40min
Can Local Media Actually Be… Saved?
Steve Grove, CEO of The Minnesota Star Tribune and former Google News Lab director, engages in a lively discussion about the future of local journalism. He addresses the existential threats it faces, like declining print subscriptions and the need for innovative strategies. Grove shares insights about the importance of homepage traffic, why high school sports coverage resonates with audiences, and how AI can enhance local media. His reflections on community impact and cultural identity emphasize the crucial role of journalism in fostering civic engagement.
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h
WBD Divorce Notes & VF Gets Vogue’d
Joining the discussion is Lauren Sherman, a fashion industry expert and partner at Puck. She shares insights on the chaos following Warner Bros. Discovery’s split, impacting major players like HBO and CNN. The conversation dives into how Google's A.I. is reshaping media dynamics, plus the potential of Mark Guaduci taking the helm at Vanity Fair. Can he navigate the challenges of modern publishing? With traditional media evolving, the importance of innovation in journalism is more critical than ever.
Jun 10, 2025 • 56min
Inside ‘Original Sin’
Alex Thompson, Axios reporter and co-author of 'Original Sin' with Jake Tapper, dives into the media's role in covering President Biden’s cognitive decline. He discusses the ethical challenges journalists face, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The conversation touches on Karine Jean-Pierre's political pivot and the implications for the Democratic Party. Thompson explores how media narratives shape public perceptions and the urgent need for responsible journalism in today's complex media landscape.
15 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 54min
Media’s A.I. Spring
The hosts dive into the evolving dynamics of sports streaming, emphasizing audience engagement over simple viewership numbers. They discuss the groundbreaking soccer tournament with a billion-dollar prize, alongside DAZN's struggles in the U.S. market. Generative AI's potential disruption of the advertising industry is a highlight, exploring its effects on creativity and employment. The conversation also touches on the transformation in audience measurement, requiring media companies to adapt to new viewing behaviors for effective advertising.
Jun 3, 2025 • 35min
The Zaz Report
Bill Cohan, a financial expert and partner at Puck, joins to dissect the recent credit downgrade of Warner Bros. Discovery. He questions whether David Zaslav can effectively spin off cable assets amidst looming debt repayment challenges. The conversation also highlights Paramount's urgent negotiations with Skydance to secure a deal before a critical conference. Cohan breaks down the implications of these corporate strategies on market perceptions and the shifting dynamics in the media landscape.
May 30, 2025 • 51min
Disney’s Pre-K Anxieties & A YouTube Talent War
The hosts dive into Disney's strategy of acquiring Cocomelon, exploring its potential to regain dominance in kids' content. They discuss the competitive landscape, particularly with YouTube aggressively targeting live sports rights and the implications for traditional media. Nostalgia surfaces as they reflect on the impact of NBA on TNT ending, while highlighting shifts in sports media consumption. The chat also touches on the vulnerabilities of media companies in adapting to digital challenges and the evolving dynamics of children's programming.
