The Powers That Be: Daily

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist with a keen eye on Wall Street, joins Peter Hamby to dive into James Dolan's extravagant Sphere in Las Vegas. They question its financial sustainability despite being a consumer hit. Cohan also shares insights on Ron Perelman’s health scare, shedding light on his newfound tranquility amidst financial woes. The conversation weaves through the intriguing contrasts of entertainment success against looming debts and the personal trials of high-profile figures navigating their volatile fortunes.

Eriq Gardner, a Puck legal expert, delves into the quirky legal tussle between A&E and MGM regarding the show 'Live PD'. He highlights the complexities of reality TV copyright laws and the implications of police portrayals. The conversation then shifts to Jack Nicklaus’s lawsuit to reclaim his life rights from Nicklaus Companies, raising critical questions about celebrity identity and rights management in the age of deepfake technology. The discussion offers a captivating glimpse into the legal challenges shaping modern media.

Tara Palmeri, a keen political journalist from Puck, joins Peter to discuss Donald Trump Jr.'s emerging influence in the Trump campaign. They delve into the pivotal role North Carolina plays in the election and why many voters remain undecided. The conversation also highlights the complex balance between personal lives and political responsibilities for candidates, and the ways shifting voter sentiments can impact campaign strategies. With insights into a changing electorate and political allegiances, the discussion vividly captures the stakes ahead.

Lauren Sherman, author of "Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon," shares her expertise on the significant rise and dramatic fall of Victoria's Secret. She reveals how the brand once dominated American consumer culture and contrasts its decline with the success of more inclusive competitors. Additionally, Lauren discusses Kim Jones' exit from Fendi, exploring the potential impact this shift may have on luxury fashion and the broader implications for industry leadership.

A dramatic showdown unfolds at CBS News after a contentious interview shakes the foundations of traditional media. The discussion explores the implications of leadership crises and the search for journalistic integrity in a chaotic landscape. Meanwhile, NBC faces criticism for missed opportunities in promoting impactful stories, highlighting internal tensions and the struggle for relevance. The episode also tackles the shifting salary dynamics for news anchors, pondering the sustainability of high compensation amid changing market conditions.

John Ourand, a sports business journalist renowned for his insights on media rights, joins Dylan Byers to explore MLB's broadcasting future. They dissect the financial battle between traditional networks and streaming giants. An intriguing discussion unfolds about why a Yankees-Dodgers World Series tops Fox's wish list. Additionally, they delve into how these evolving media rights are reshaping fan access and overall viewership experience, raising important questions about the future of baseball in a digital age.

Matt Belloni, a journalist known for his insights into the entertainment industry, joins to discuss Netflix’s innovative compensation model that's reshaping Hollywood. He highlights how this shift affects talent relationships and risks. The conversation also delves into 'Joker 2', revealing why despite its box office struggles, it's a creative victory for Todd Phillips, showcasing the balancing act filmmakers face between artistic freedom and audience expectations.

Julia Ioffe, a seasoned journalist and foreign policy expert, joins Dylan Byers to dissect the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. She reflects on the tragic events of October 7 and critiques the convoluted narratives surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ioffe emphasizes the struggle for nuanced discourse amid rising Gen Z activism. The discussion touches on the role of nationalism versus religious identities and warns against simplistic views of oppression. Ioffe's insights urge listeners to consider the complexities of humanitarian crises affecting both communities.

John Heilemann, Puck's political expert, shares keen insights into the upcoming U.S. presidential race. He discusses the exciting possibility of an October surprise and its potential impact. The conversation also delves into Kamala Harris’s media strategies aimed at attracting new, especially younger and non-white voters. Heilemann highlights the importance of engaging irregular voters through non-traditional platforms, while addressing the challenges candidates face amidst negative media narratives. Tune in for a captivating analysis of election dynamics!

Jon Kelly, an expert journalist from Puck, discusses the shakeup in network news as top anchors like Hoda and Norah leave, hinting at more departures to follow. He delves into Brian Williams’ upcoming Election Night special with Amazon, balancing optimism with skepticism about CNN's new paywall strategy. The conversation reveals the tension between adapting to streaming-era demands and maintaining traditional news values, highlighting the critical need for innovation in journalism to engage younger audiences.