The Powers That Be: Daily

Matt Belloni, a writer at Puck and host of The Town podcast, joins to unravel the implications of Trump's tariff announcement on foreign film and TV productions. He highlights Hollywood's panic as shoots move to Canada and Europe. The conversation dives into the declining market share of California productions and the possible solutions like tax credits to keep film work stateside. Matt also explores the evolving relations between Hollywood, tech giants, and the political landscape, stressing the urgent need for intervention.

Join Marion Maneker, author of Wallpower and art fair expert, as he navigates the bustling art fair circuit. He delves into the frenetic pace of events and discusses whether demand can keep up. Discover why Ari Emmanuel's big investment in Frieze is a game-changer. Marion also clarifies the distinct roles of art fairs versus auctions, shedding light on accessibility and the nuances of art collecting. Expect a mix of humor and insight as he connects pop culture and art appreciation.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned journalist covering Capitol Hill, joins to dissect Speaker Johnson's ambitious legislative efforts. She reveals the struggle behind the 'big, beautiful bill' and the internal unrest among Republicans, even with Trump's backing. The conversation dives into the intricacies of Congress and the urgent need for unity to win over voters ahead of the midterms. Johnson's unique leadership style and the pressures of passing crucial legislation amidst party tensions add further intrigue to the political landscape.

Jon Kelly, co-host of Media Monday and media strategy expert, joins Peter to discuss HBO's transformation under David Zaslav. They unpack HBO's shift from a broad appeal strategy to focusing on premium content, all while navigating Netflix's dominance. The duo also analyzes Peacock's bold $27 billion investment in NBA broadcasting and its potential risks and rewards. Their conversation dives into the evolving dynamics of sports media and the challenges streaming platforms face in attracting viewers.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist at Puck specializing in legal and media issues, discusses Donald Trump’s aggressive tactics against the press. He predicts a possible settlement for CBS News amid its lawsuit with Trump. Eriq delves into the troubling implications of Trump’s threats against The New York Times and recent DOJ guideline changes that could jeopardize journalistic independence. The conversation highlights growing concerns over press freedom and the potential rise of political pressures on reporters.

Kim Masters joins Peter to unpack the latest twists in the ongoing Paramount-Skydance saga, from Shari Redstone’s settlement calculus to Brendan Carr’s F.C.C shenanigans, and what Donald Trump might be angling for in his multibillion-dollar lawsuit against CBS. Then Kim discusses Trump's “special ambassadors to Hollywood”: Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight. 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

Marion Maneker drops by the pod to discuss the ripple effects of Trump’s anti-D.E.I. crusade across the art world—and why the real fallout may not surface for years to come. Then Marion dissects how tariffs and global trade anxieties are impacting the upcoming auction season, which may be busier than expected as luxury buyers and sellers navigate an uncertain economic terrain. 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

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter for a sober analysis of Trump’s first 100 days back in office—and addresses the question gripping Washington: Is Trump actually an all-powerful executive force, or is he merely a lame duck president in slow-motion collapse? Then Leigh Ann discusses her recent interview with David Axelrod and his thoughts about what Dems need to do ahead of the 2028 election. 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

A stunning survey reveals which aging movie stars still draw crowds, uncovering a rift between Gen Z and older fans. The discussion shifts to the fallout from a prominent CBS News resignation, raising alarms about media independence under corporate pressure. Also explored are how social media is reshaping celebrity influence and the implications for political endorsements. The podcast dives deep into the challenges faced by journalism today, questioning the integrity of editorial decisions in major networks.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist specializing in media and entertainment law, joins Peter Hamby to shed light on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's controversial actions and their implications for the media landscape. They discuss Carr's slow approach to the $8 billion Skydance-Paramount merger and his fiery criticisms of giants like Comcast and Disney. The conversation dives into Carr's possible motivations, questioning whether he's angling for a position in MAGA media. They also explore how regulatory challenges shape the future of streaming and the delicate balance of media independence.