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
49 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 55min
Troy Young's A.I. Love Language
Troy Young, the former president of Hearst Magazines, discusses the seismic changes AI brings to the media landscape. He highlights how AI accelerates declines in traditional media and underscores the necessity for stronger IP protections. Young dives into the challenges that legacy brands face while navigating an AI-driven future and explores innovative monetization strategies. The conversation also reflects on the balance between technological efficiency and the depth of journalism, emphasizing the evolution of audience engagement.
15 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 34min
Bonus Episode: Media on the Brink
John Kelly, co-founder and head of Puck, dives into pressing trends shaping the media landscape. He discusses CBS News’s struggles amidst their corporate ties to Trump, and how Fox News is solidifying its position. Kelly also shares insights on how renowned publications like 'The Atlantic' and 'The New Yorker' can adapt to thrive in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the need for innovation in the print industry. The conversation highlights the evolving relationships between media, business, and politics.
7 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 49min
Emily Sundberg's Indie Media Playbook
Emily Sundberg, creator of Feed Me, joins Dylan for an in-depth look at her meteoric rise as an independent Substacker. Having amassed 60,000 subscribers—and counting—Emily shares how authenticity, adaptability, and audience engagement have fueled her success. She also discusses self-funding her company without outside financing, the potential risks of a fully decentralized media landscape, and her plans to expand beyond Substack while leveraging her growing platform. 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
Feb 11, 2025 • 45min
David Remnick on The New Yorker's Centennial
David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker for nearly 30 years, shares insights on the magazine's centennial journey. He reflects on its evolution from a comic publication to a serious journal, tackling modern challenges like AI and maintaining a loyal subscriber base. Remnick discusses the importance of high-quality storytelling and strong leadership in the media landscape, while celebrating the enduring legacy and impact of influential journalism. Personal anecdotes add a rich layer to the story of this iconic magazine.
13 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 57min
The Atlantic's A.I. Survival Kit
Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, discusses the existential challenges facing media in the age of A.I. He shares insights into building direct reader relationships to reduce dependence on tech platforms. The conversation touches on reviving print media and optimizing paywalls to enhance profitability. Thompson also explores the transformational impact of A.I. on journalism, emphasizing the need for traditional media to adapt amidst the rise of low-cost A.I. competitors. His perspective merges expertise from tech journalism with strategic leadership in today's evolving landscape.
6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 20min
Chuck Todd Unplugged
Chuck Todd, a former Meet the Press anchor and veteran NBC News political journalist, shares insights on his departure from the network after nearly two decades. He emphasizes the urgent need to revitalize local journalism to rebuild trust in media and connect audiences with politics. The conversation also delves into the changing dynamics of political interviews and the corporate challenges facing news organizations today. Todd explores how podcasts could evolve into captivating long-form programming, similar to ESPN's daytime shows.
Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
Amusing Ourselves to Death
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes joins Dylan for a thrilling and sobering deep dive into how social media and smartphones hijacked our brains; how attention became the single most powerful currency in the political economy; and why Donald Trump is singularly effective at commanding it. 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
Jan 28, 2025 • 41min
The NFL's Chief Concern
John Ourand joins Dylan for an insider’s look at how the NFL is preparing for the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans—and whether the league is feeling the effects of small-market Chiefs fatigue. The duo also delve into the crucial role of live sports rights in keeping media businesses afloat, and explore how streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix are reshaping the future of sports broadcasting. 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
Jan 24, 2025 • 48min
Can CNN Survive the Death of TV?
The New York Times’ Ben Mullin joins Dylan for a deep dive into Mark Thompson’s attempt to transform CNN from a cable television network into a digital and streaming juggernaut. After a round of mass layoffs, the duo contemplate whether CNN as a digital-first enterprise can maintain the network’s influence in a post-linear landscape, and whether Thompson actually has a plan to get there. 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
Jan 17, 2025 • 40min
Inside the L.A. Firestorm
NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff joins Dylan to share his unique experience covering the devastating Los Angeles fires, which destroyed his childhood home in Pacific Palisades. Then, as Trump’s inauguration looms with ambitious deportation plans, Jacob provides an inside look at his extensive reporting on immigration at the border. 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
