The Powers That Be: Daily

Steve Bornstein, a veteran media executive who shaped the landscape of sports television, discusses his experiences with the late Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner. He shares insights on launching the NFL Network and the evolution of sports media amid the streaming wars. Bornstein critiques broadcast versus streaming metrics and highlights the potential of women's volleyball as an emerging sport. He also reflects on the shifting dynamics between tech giants and legacy networks, emphasizing the importance of broad access for fans.

Dylan Byers, a media reporter and host of The Grill Room podcast, dives deep into the rebranding of MSNBC to MSNOW, discussing its potential impact and the emotional aftermath for the staff. He analyzes how this change may signal a decline in the network’s influence despite internal optimism. The conversation also touches on the firing of unionized employees at Condé Nast amidst protests, highlighting a shift in workplace norms and management's reaction to employee dissent. Dylan reflects on the cultural significance of Teen Vogue and its evolution in the media landscape.

Bill Cohan, a sharp journalist specializing in media and finance, joins to dissect Paramount's unusual earnings call. He highlights how David Ellison diverted focus from numbers to future investments and cost cuts, raising eyebrows among shareholders. The discussion dives into Paramount's failed offers for Warner Bros. Discovery and the potential roadblocks in acquiring the company. Cohan humorously critiques corporate jargon while offering insights into what might lie ahead for Ellison and the entertainment juggernaut.

Ian Krietzberg, an AI and technology reporter, dives into the legal chaos surrounding OpenAI, where families are suing the company over claims that ChatGPT led users to suicidal thoughts. He highlights the patterns in these lawsuits and the chilling profiles of affected individuals. The discussion shifts to OpenAI's financial woes, including revenue stagnation and potential government bailouts. Krietzberg also raises concerns about the implications of these legal battles on the company’s future and the unsustainable debt cycle in AI infrastructure.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned Capitol Hill reporter, dives into the intricacies of the imminent government shutdown resolution. She reveals the key Senate Democrats who defied their base to compromise with Republicans, shedding light on their motivations. The discussion also touches on Chuck Schumer's wavering leadership, raising questions about his future. With potential roadblocks like abortion politics in ACA talks, Leigh Ann offers an insider's perspective on the uncertain future of bipartisan negotiations and the political landscape ahead.

In a lively chat, Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck, reunites with Peter Hamby to dive into the intricacies of digital media. They discuss the potential spin-off of Vox Media's podcast business and the financial maneuvers behind it. The duo explores the pandemic's impact on podcast studios, highlighting how chat shows outperformed pricier scripted projects. They also analyze Netflix's strategies to combat saturation in the U.S. and its ambitious foray into podcasts, video, and gaming, sparking debate over its competition with YouTube.

Dive into the mind of NFL legend Von Miller as he explores the intersection of football and culture. Expect engaging discussions on sports, entertainment, and societal trends with athletes and artists alike. Miller shares insights from his life, including fascinating tidbits about his chicken farm. It's a refreshing blend of locker room energy and deep curiosity that tackles topics without limits. Ready to see how the game meets wider culture?

Michael Rubin, the visionary founder of Fanatics, transforms the sports merchandise landscape through innovative commerce and technology. He reveals how Fanatics has evolved into a comprehensive digital sports platform, blending merchandise, collectibles, and betting. Rubin discusses the power of athlete relationships in enhancing product offerings and execution speed. He shares insights on curating events to foster meaningful connections and hints at an IPO on the horizon, hinting at exciting new verticals to expand Fanatics' ecosystem.

Kim Masters, a veteran entertainment journalist, dives into the heated bidding contest for Warner Bros. Discovery. She discusses why insiders back the Ellisons of Paramount Skydance, despite skepticism about their promises. Hollywood worries over consolidation, AI, and Ellison's track record. The conversation explores potential buyers like Comcast, Netflix, and Amazon, and the possibility of splitting Warner's assets. Masters also highlights the industry's mixed feelings toward the Ellisons, caught between excitement and wariness.

Political reporter Abby Livingston shares insights on recent election results and their implications for 2026. She discusses the surprising wins for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing that these victories don't guarantee future successes. Abby warns that relying on Trump's unpopularity could backfire. They also explore geographic shifts in voter behavior, including trends among Latino and young voters, while highlighting Gavin Newsom's rising profile and effective fundraising tactics in California.