The Grill Room

Jon Kelly, co-founder and editor at Puck, shares his insights into the evolving media landscape of Washington D.C. He discusses the intricate dynamics of networking and the significance of political relationships in media. The conversation touches on the challenges of instability in newsrooms, revealing how turnover impacts morale and finances. Kelly also highlights the contributions of lesser-known figures in political journalism and examines how authenticity is becoming essential in today’s media, especially as controversial personalities re-emerge.

Join Peter Hamby, a political media expert and co-host of The Powers That Be, as he discusses the recent stir surrounding The Atlantic after editor Jeffrey Goldberg joined a high-level national security chat. Hamby reveals how this incident has boosted the magazine's standing among elites. The conversation shifts to CNN's staffing changes and what they signal about a digital transformation. Hamby shares insights on media strategy, the thrills of journalism, and the complexities of today's political reporting landscape.

Julia Alexander, Puck's streaming guru and expert in the digital creator economy, joins to discuss YouTube's dominance in the news landscape. She highlights how creators are reshaping media narratives, challenging legacy outlets to innovate or risk being sidelined. The conversation reveals the struggles of traditional news organizations like CNN in attracting viewers amid rising competition from niche content creators. Julia also addresses the evolving audience preferences for concise, engaging storytelling, underscoring an urgent need for adaptation in the media industry.

Caitlin Thompson, founder of Racket, a vibrant quarterly magazine aimed at making tennis culture more accessible, joins the discussion. She shares her vision for blending quality journalism with tennis fashion and travel. The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and evolving narratives in sports media. Caitlin also reflects on the dual nature of tennis, combining community connection with personal solitude, while exploring how digital platforms are reshaping audience engagement in the sport.

Jessica Lessin, Founder and CEO of The Information, discusses her media journey and the publication's success over 11 years. She emphasizes the importance of deep expertise over audience size in a shifting media landscape. Lessin shares her investment strategies in promising media startups and critiques traditional models that prioritize volume. The conversation also touches on the recalibration of Silicon Valley's power dynamics in today's political climate, underlining the need for innovative journalism and meaningful engagement.

Beloved yet controversial Wall Street Journal top editor Emma Tucker joins Dylan for a candid discussion about evolving the historic business, change management, tough choices, and the future of the news media business. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zanny Minton Beddoes, the Editor-in-chief of The Economist, shares her insights on the publication's unique standing in today's media landscape. She discusses how The Economist is adapting to digital demands while maintaining its commitment to classical liberalism. The conversation touches on the essential role of independent journalism amid rising illiberal trends and the importance of humor in serious reporting. Beddoes also explores the challenges of modern media and highlights the value of curated news in a chaotic world.

‘The New York Times’ Peter Baker joins Dylan to dissect the fraught relationship between the Trump White House and the press, from expelling the Associated Press to handpicking the press pool—tactics he likens to historical press suppression in Russia. They also weigh in on the changes at ‘The Washington Post’ under Jeff Bezos, and the fight to maintain journalistic integrity in an increasingly politically charged environment. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Cohan, a renowned financial journalist and author, joins to discuss the evolution of Warner Bros. Discovery following its significant merger. He highlights the company's rising streaming profits and the strategic challenges stemming from a $19 billion debt reduction. Cohan speculates about potential mergers with NBCUniversal and examines the impact of losing NBA rights. He also addresses broader trends in the media landscape, including effects on networks like CNN and the complexities faced in investor confidence amidst declining earnings.

Noah Oppenheim, former president of NBC News and creative force behind Netflix's 'Zero Day,' discusses the media's uncertain future. He shares candid insights on MSNBC's chaos and dives into the evolving landscape of big media, emphasizing trust in journalism. Oppenheim explains the challenges of spinoffs and the need for innovative leadership in news. He also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the making of 'Zero Day,' exploring its poignant themes on cyber attacks and societal turmoil.