The Powers That Be: Daily

Marion Maneker, author of Wallpower, shares his expertise on the recent upheaval at Sotheby’s, where nearly 100 employees face layoffs. He explains the fraught dynamics between CEO Charles Stewart and billionaire owner Patrick Drahi. The conversation highlights how these cost-cutting measures might affect buyers and the reputation of the auction house within the luxury art market. Maneker also discusses the broader challenges auction houses face amid a cooling high-end art market.

Baratunde Thurston, a technology and culture commentator from Puck, dives into the future of A.I. and its influence on politics and society. He discusses the skepticism surrounding A.I. and its potential to reshape industries by 2025. The conversation highlights the changing dynamics of A.I. as a collaborator versus a competitor, including its role in creative workflows and job automation. They also explore the significant impact of A.I. on media and employment, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and author with a keen focus on media, shares his insights on Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy to concentrate on streaming while considering selling its cable assets. He also discusses BuzzFeed's financial crisis, revealing the company's struggle to manage dangerously high corporate debt. The conversation touches on the implications of these shifts for the broader entertainment landscape and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by media companies in a changing market.

Eriq Gardner, a seasoned journalist, discusses the significant $15 million defamation settlement between ABC News, Disney, and Donald Trump. He explores the implications of Trump's lawsuit against pollster Ann Selzer, raising concerns for pollsters about potential legal repercussions. The conversation dives into the nuances of defamation standards involving public figures and the chilling effect on electoral polling. Gardner's insights highlight a precarious intersection of media, law, and political influence that could reshape the landscape for pollsters.

Tune in for an insightful dive into the reshaping of Warner Brothers Discovery under David Zaslav, with implications for CNN and other networks. Explore the challenges facing major outlets like MSNBC and CNN regarding ratings while celebrating cinematic successes. Discover the leadership challenges at The Washington Post and Politico, and how new talent might influence the landscape of political journalism. The discussion also touches on potential strategic spins and the evolving media dynamics.

Abby Livingston, Puck's astute congressional correspondent, shares her insights on the surprising ties between Silicon Valley and Trump's White House. She discusses how V.C. players influenced key decisions and the crypto funding that reshaped elections. The conversation dives into the evolving attitude toward tech regulation and the risk of underestimating figures like Elon Musk. Additionally, Abby highlights the powerful impact of pro-cryptocurrency super PACs on Congress, revealing their significant contributions and political shifts at play.

Tara Palmeri, a savvy journalist known for her sharp analysis of political scandals, joins to discuss the fallout from Don Jr.'s cheating, prompting an intriguing exile for his fiancée, Kim Guilfoyle, to Greece. They delve into the implications for fellow political figures entangled in their own scandals. The conversation shifts to Tulsi Gabbard's efforts on Capitol Hill and the risks surrounding her candidacy for a key intelligence position, raising eyebrows about her past and foreign policy stances. Stay tuned for a blend of charm and controversy!

John Ourand, a seasoned journalist, joins Peter Hamby to dive into the eye-catching decision of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick taking the reins at UNC, and its ripple effects in the college football world. They dissect the booming business of college sports alongside the new CFP format. The conversation shifts to the NBA Cup, evaluating its potential to boost league ratings and fan engagement, while highlighting star players like LeBron James and Giannis who are reshaping early season excitement. A mix of analytics and humor keeps the dialogue lively!

Legal expert Eriq Gardner joins to delve into the dramatic twists of Rupert Murdoch's family succession battle, highlighting the tensions between his children over control of the media empire. Gardner discusses the influence of Nevada's probate laws on estate planning and transparency. The conversation shifts to TikTok, where they examine a recent federal court ruling upholding the app's ban and the potential for Trump's intervention, unpacking the national security concerns and implications for TikTok's users and future.

Dylan Byers, an insightful journalist from Puck, dives into the internal shake-ups at The Washington Post, including a surprising key journalist moving to The New York Times, raising questions about the paper's future. He also tackles the controversies surrounding tech and culture writer Taylor Lorenz, exploring her complicated reputation and the challenges facing legacy media in today's digital landscape. The conversation is a fascinating look at the evolving role of journalism amidst shifting industry dynamics.