The Powers That Be: Daily

Dylan Byers, a journalist at Puck, offers keen insights on the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. He commends the local media's vital role in covering the disaster while the hosts critique the limited leadership from Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. They discuss the emotional impact of the fires on personal connections, the blending of journalists' anxieties with their professional roles, and the significance of television in connecting the public to unfolding events. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of LA politics amid such crises.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist specializing in legal and PR analysis, joins to dissect the fiery legal clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. They delve into Baldoni's staggering $250 million counter-suit against The New York Times amid allegations of harassment. The conversation then shifts to Donald Trump’s intricate legal maneuvering surrounding a TikTok ban, linking it to national security concerns. Gardner highlights the broader implications for media narratives and First Amendment rights in this high-stakes environment.

Abby Livingston, a seasoned journalist and Capitol Hill expert, shares her insights on the rocky road ahead for Republicans during Trump's second term. They discuss the fallout from a near-disaster spending bill and Trump's potential executive orders. Abby highlights the legislative hurdles lawmakers face in a chaotic environment, particularly concerning tax cuts. The conversation delves into party dynamics in the House and the Democrats' unified front, all while anticipating shifts in governance amid a divided government.

Join the conversation about recent shake-ups at The Washington Post, where key journalists are leaving and the future of its newsroom is in question. Dive into the clash between traditional media and streaming giants like Netflix, especially with their bold moves into live sports, including NFL games. Explore how these changes affect journalism's quality and the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. Will new voices emerge to lead the way in this shifting industry? Tune in to find out!

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and expert in media deals, chats about the shifting landscape of Hollywood's mergers and acquisitions. He discusses how tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet are reshaping the strategies of legacy TV networks such as Disney and Comcast. The conversation covers the evolving regulatory climate, the challenges of valuing declining assets in private equity, and the implications of 'everything on the table' for future media deals. Cohan's insights shed light on the industry's uncertain yet fascinating future.

Lauren Sherman, author of "Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon," shares her insights into the dramatic rise and fall of Victoria's Secret. She discusses the cultural shifts that led to the brand's decline and how it struggled to adapt to modern consumer values. The conversation also highlights the recent shakeup at Fendi after Kim Jones's departure, exploring its implications for the fashion industry. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of today's retail environment and what the future holds for iconic brands.

Baratunde Thurston, a journalist and writer at Puck, dives into the heated A.I. arms race involving tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. He examines how innovative tools like Perplexity AI reshape search experiences with citation-rich answers, challenging traditional platforms. The conversation also highlights risks of identity theft and the evolving role of data privacy. Thurston discusses the implications for content creators and the potential disruption traditional publishers face in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist at Puck specializing in the legal and business aspects of entertainment, joins to dissect the legal turmoil surrounding Michael Rubin and his sports empire, Fanatics. The conversation highlights Rubin's extravagant 4th of July bash and the backlash it generated, as well as his aggressive business maneuvers attracting legal scrutiny. They also dive into the potential ramifications of the Paramount-Skydance merger, including shareholder rights and corporate record access, blending serious topics with a sprinkle of humor.

Alison Roman, an acclaimed food writer and entrepreneur, shares her inspiring transition from The New York Times to forging her own path in food media. She reflects on the unexpected blessings that came from her departure. Joining her is Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation, who delves into the dynamics of the restaurant recommendation landscape and highlights upcoming culinary trends like thicker burger patties. The pair also chats about balancing tradition and innovation in Thanksgiving cooking, and the evolving cocktail scene.

Lauren Sherman, Puck's fashion reporter and expert in the fashion business, joins to discuss the fallout from the failed $8.5 billion merger of Capri Holdings with Tapestry. She dives into the future challenges facing luxury brands like Versace and Jimmy Choo amid declining stock values. The conversation also highlights Nordstrom's transition to private ownership, and the missed opportunities for shareholders in the luxury retail landscape. Sherman's insights provide a fascinating look at the evolving dynamics of fashion and retail.