The Powers That Be: Daily

The fallout from Karine Jean-Pierre's party switch and book release raises eyebrows over political loyalties. Shari Redstone faces mounting pressures in her tumultuous Paramount-Skydance negotiations. A humorous dive into language and recent NBA drama draws fun comparisons to political theater. Career trajectories of former press secretaries reveal the tricky path from politics to media. Meanwhile, legal hurdles present new challenges for the iconic 60 Minutes, spotlighting ongoing frustrations in the media landscape.

Eriq Gardner, an author and legal expert from Puck, joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack the New York Times' legal battle against OpenAI related to copyright and an unexpected AI licensing deal with Amazon. They discuss the implications this could have for journalism and media. The conversation shifts to the reality TV realm, highlighting Leah McSweeney's lawsuit against Andy Cohen and the fallout from alleged smear campaigns, providing insights into the ethical quandaries of the bustling entertainment industry.

Bill Cohan, author of Puck's Dry Powder Newsletter and a Warner Bros. Discovery expert, joins Julia Alexander to tackle the financial turmoil plaguing Warner Bros. Discovery. They dive into the implications of a recent debt downgrade and stagnant growth in income. The discussion navigates CEO David Zaslav's controversial leadership approach, shareholder trust issues, and potential mergers on the horizon. Listeners gain insight into the company's operational changes and the turbulent future of streaming and linear content.

Marion Maneker, an author and art market expert, joins guest host Julia Ioffe to discuss Dasha Zhukova's evolution into a key player in art-centric real estate. They explore her innovative projects that blend art with community living, emphasizing accessibility. The conversation shifts to the Met's recently reopened Rockefeller wing, spotlighting African and Oceanic art and its cultural significance. Maneker highlights how these developments reflect broader trends in the art market and challenge neocolonialist practices.

Guest Abby Livingston, a seasoned political reporter and co-author of 'The Best and the Brightest,' joins host Julia Ioffe to dissect the Democrats' midterm strategies. They tackle the challenges of gerontocracy and the need for strong, relatable candidates. The discussion highlights the party's evolving recruitment landscape, emphasizing a shift toward veterans and scientists. They also explore generational tensions within leadership and how these dynamics could impact the upcoming elections, offering a thought-provoking look at the path forward for Democrats.

Business Insider faces a significant shakeup with a 21% workforce reduction, raising questions about its future in digital media. The hosts delve into the implications for parent company Axel Springer and the need for innovation. Additionally, they reflect on the end of TNT's NBA relationship, spotlighting 'Inside the NBA's' unique and unscripted charm. This transition brings both nostalgia and uncertainty about the future of sports commentary as ESPN takes the reins. The humor-infused analysis rounds off with predictions and a nod to a new sports series.

Eriq Gardner, a legal expert, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to unpack the legal ramifications of Trump’s executive actions, particularly the dismissal of Shira Perlmutter from her role as Register of Copyrights. They discuss how this case could redefine executive authority and the separation of powers. Gardner highlights implications for government independence and the evolving landscape of copyright law amidst the rise of artificial intelligence. The conversation digs into the intricate balance between executive power and institutional stability.

Bill Cohan, author of 'Dry Powder,' joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to explore the perplexing 'Main Street glitch' in Trump's tax policies and how it may create unforeseen tax hikes for businesses. They discuss Trump's increasing influence over market dynamics and how traders adapt to his shifting strategies. Additionally, Cohan critiques Bill Ackman's stance on Harvard’s endowment and its impact on institutional practices. This lively conversation reveals the intricate relationship between policy decisions and Wall Street's reactions, making economic complexities accessible.

Matt Belloni, author and host known for his insights into the movie industry, joins Julia Alexander to dissect the Memorial Day box office boom. They explore the surprising surge in ticket sales, fueled by nostalgia and fan-favorite franchises like 'Lilo and Stitch.' The duo also discusses studios adapting to post-pandemic changes and the rising stars set to dominate Hollywood, such as Zendaya and Tom Holland. Finally, they examine how major studios are prepping for summer releases and the contrasting strategies of traditional film distribution versus streaming services.

John Ourand, sports media expert from Puck and author of The Varsity newsletter, joins Julia Alexander to explore the repercussions of Disney's lawsuit against YouTube following the departure of top ESPN executive Justin Connolly. They discuss the looming challenges for Major League Baseball as its $550 million ESPN deal nears its end. The conversation reveals wider issues affecting all sports leagues in the transforming media landscape, addressing viewer engagement, negotiation power, and the struggles in securing lucrative broadcasting partnerships.