The Powers That Be: Daily

A monumental $83 billion deal sees Netflix outmaneuver Paramount and Comcast to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets. The hosts dive into potential antitrust scrutiny from regulators and the implications for major media players like CNN and Disney. They also discuss the creative community's concerns about Netflix's influence on theatrical releases and future content investments. Will this deal spark a wave of consolidation in the industry? Tune in as they dissect this ambitious move in the media landscape.

Celebrate 20 years of nostalgia with a rewatch of How I Met Your Mother! Josh Radnor and co-creator Craig Thomas dive deep into the show's timeline, sharing secrets, theories, and memorable moments. They also discuss the philosophical themes that resonate with fans today. Excitement grows as they tease guests for season two, including Joe Manganiello and Bryan Cranston. Plus, listener messages from around the globe add a unique touch to the conversation. Join them for laughs and insights on love and life!

Sports media reporter Andrew Marchand from The Athletic reunites with John to dissect the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. They delve into how the NFL's Thanksgiving matchups are strategically scheduled to skyrocket viewership and Amazon's clever tactics for enhancing Prime memberships. Marchand shares insights on why streamers like YouTube might dominate future NFL rights and unpacks the significance of Netflix hiring ESPN talent. They also discuss MLB's new rights deals and the implications for future media partnerships.

Dylan Byers, a renowned media reporter, joins to dive into the drama between Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza, sparked by Nuzzi's controversial memoir. He critiques the memoir for its lack of substance and discusses the messy feud on social media. The conversation shifts to CNN's intriguing partnership with the prediction market Kalshi, exploring how this gamifies news coverage and raises ethical questions. Byers highlights the media's obsessive focus on predicting outcomes rather than addressing current events, adding depth to the discussion.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a political reporter known for her insider insights on Capitol Hill, shares her analysis of the GOP's struggles as they prepare for the midterms. She highlights the party's concerns after recent Democratic victories and the impact of Trump's dwindling approval ratings. Caldwell dives into the complexities of redistricting challenges and the blame game among GOP members. The discussion includes the difficulties in crafting effective messaging around affordability and the dynamics of courting Trump's base for key primary elections.

Eriq Gardner, a media and entertainment legal journalist, joins to discuss the current state of antitrust enforcement in the U.S. He explores the implications of a possible WBD-Paramount merger and how political biases, particularly against CNN, could influence regulatory decisions. Gardner raises concerns about the Trump administration's laissez-faire attitude towards business and examines potential federal preemption in AI regulations. This lively conversation unpacks the complexities of merger challenges and the roles various regulators play in the ever-shifting landscape.

Julia Ioffe, a journalist and Russia expert, joins Peter for a deep dive into the troubling state of Russia-Ukraine negotiations. She highlights how neither side seems motivated to pursue peace, while Donald Trump remains keen to broker a deal. Ioffe also discusses U.S. drone strikes on Venezuelan boats and the serious implications of potential war crimes. Their conversation probes the complexities of international relations and accountability within the military, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Jon Kelly, co-founder and executive producer at Puck, dives into the evolving landscape of Substack and its implications for legacy media. He discusses why traditional publishers are experimenting with platforms like Substack and Patreon. Jon highlights Substack's appeal for creators, while also pointing out its limitations compared to larger tech offerings. The conversation explores the competition between Beehive and Substack, and debates the future of original journalism in a world that rewards analysis over in-depth reporting.

In this intriguing conversation, Avery Trufelman, a narrative podcast creator known for her insightful storytelling about clothing, dives into the cultural significance of attire. She and Lauren explore the viral appeal of Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme merch, dissect A24's innovative marketing strategies, and debate the essence of modern fashion as merchandise. Avery shares her passion for vintage clothing, the complexities of holiday shopping, and the evolution of American style through gorpcore and military influences.

Sarah Shapiro, a retail correspondent covering consumer trends for Puck's Line Sheet, joins to discuss the holiday shopping season. They dissect the surprising divergence between low consumer sentiment and rising holiday spending projections. Shapiro reveals how retailers are adjusting strategies, from breaking prices early to prioritizing big-ticket items. The conversation also highlights current department store battles, focusing on Saks' struggles versus Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale’s competition for luxury shoppers, as well as innovative ways retailers are enhancing in-store experiences.