The Powers That Be: Daily

Jon Kelly, a contributor at Puck, dives into the media landscape's shifting tides. He reflects on Puck's vibrant anniversary bash, rich with insights from industry insiders. The closure of the Code Conference raises eyebrows, prompting discussions on its historic significance and the financial hurdles faced by Vox Media. Kelly reveals David Zaslav's negotiating tactics as a case study in competition among media giants, highlighting the stark realities for smaller players in this ever-evolving industry.

Tara Palmeri, a political reporter renowned for her election insights, joins to dissect the recent presidential debate. She explores the contrasting perceptions of Kamala Harris's performance versus voter sentiments. The discussion highlights the impact of debate dynamics on public opinion, particularly favoring Trump. Palmeri also dives into strategic moves from both campaigns, focusing on the importance of connecting with key demographics and how the outcomes may shape pivotal battleground states.

Abby Livingston, a senior congressional reporter known for her sharp political insights, joins to discuss Kamala Harris's impact on House Democrats. They analyze the aftershocks of a recent debate, particularly Harris's handling of issues surrounding the January 6th insurrection. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics in battleground states, with a newfound optimism for Democrats. Additionally, they explore the strategies for key House races and the role of internal polling versus social media in shaping electoral outcomes.

In a very special episode, Peter is joined by John Heilemann and Dylan Byers to share their immediate analysis of the climactic Trump-Harris debate in Philadelphia—the vibes, the polling implications, the bounce scenarios and the known unknowns of it all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eriq Gardner, a media law expert, joins to unravel the dramatic court battles within the Murdoch family, focusing on Rupert's efforts to secure Lachlan's leadership of their conservative media empire. He delves into the intricate dynamics of this 'Succession'-esque saga, emphasizing family rivalries and power struggles. The conversation also tackles defamation lawsuits against CNN and MSNBC, exploring the nuanced challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity and the implications for news organizations. A riveting mix of media intrigue and legal insight!

Brian Stelter, a veteran journalist renowned for his media insights, joins Jon Kelly and Peter to discuss his return to CNN amid its evolving landscape. They examine the challenges CNN faces and analyze the implications of his comeback for traditional media. The conversation shifts to the highly anticipated Harris-Trump debate, emphasizing its significance as a pivotal moment for both candidates. Stelter shares key insights into debate dynamics, pressures on candidates, and what this moment could mean for the upcoming election.

Eriq Gardner, a legal expert, dives into a groundbreaking lawsuit involving Isaac Hayes' heirs and Donald Trump. He reveals the potential ripple effects this case could have on political campaigns that use unlicensed music. The discussion highlights the fraught relationship between artists and their music's political usage, plus the broader implications for copyright and artist rights. Gardner also touches on music's role in shaping political identity and how song choices can reflect cultural divides, particularly between Democrats and Republicans.

Matt Belloni swings by the pod to chat with Peter Hamby about the controversy surrounding “The Apprentice,” the Trump biopic set for theatrical release just before the election. Then they look back at the biggest surprises of the summer box office.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara Palmeri joins Peter Hamby to reveal the inside chatter swirling around D.C. as the presidential race enters its final two-month sprint: the Dems’ remarkable ad spend in battleground states, Harris’s post-D.N.C momentum, the stakes of next week’s ABC debate, and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, dives into the network’s strategic realignment and the complexities of sports rights deals. He shares insights from the recent negotiation of an NBA deal, emphasizing the importance of trust in the sports media landscape. Pitaro discusses ESPN's digital evolution, targeting younger audiences with tailored content and the challenges of engaging them. He also reflects on ESPN's resilience amid industry controversies and highlights the significance of authentic connections in modern sports broadcasting.