

The Powers That Be: Daily
Puck | Audacy
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Hamby, along with the team of expert journalists at Puck, as they let you in on the real conversations insiders are having across the four corners of power in America: Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Puck's contributors will bring you smart conversation around the inside stories happening in these worlds. Presented in partnership with Audacy, new episodes publish daily, Monday-Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2024 • 22min
Media Monday: DNC Kremlinology, Conde’s New Revenue Boss & More Cable Chills
Dive into the shifting dynamics of the Democratic National Convention and the strategic maneuvers of the Democratic Party. Explore the dark narratives surrounding NBC's Olympics coverage and the rise of streaming audiences over traditional cable. Discover how Conde Nast's new Chief Revenue Officer aims to revitalize revenue amidst these changes. Plus, enjoy a fun guessing game involving a renowned quarterback connected to the Manning family. It's a lively discussion on the pulse of today's media landscape!

Aug 16, 2024 • 19min
Cable-pocalypse Now, Part 2
In this discussion, guest Matt Belloni, a seasoned expert in entertainment, explores the seismic shift of sports broadcasting from traditional TV to streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple. He highlights how the NFL and NBA navigate their broadcasting strategies while balancing viewer reach and profitability. The conversation further uncovers how Apple is grappling with low viewership numbers on its platform despite ambitious sports deals. Belloni's insights shed light on the changing landscape of sports media in a streaming-dominated world.

5 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 19min
Cable-pocalypse Now, Part 1
John Ourand, a leader in broadcasting, teams up with media commentator Matt Belloni to dissect pressing industry issues. They explore the staggering $9.1 billion write-down at Warner Bros. Discovery and what it means for the future of traditional TV. The duo dives into Paramount's struggle with NFL broadcasting rights and the implications of shifting sports content to streaming. They also discuss the financial maneuvers of cable giants as they adapt to the evolving landscape and the rising costs of sports programming.

Aug 14, 2024 • 18min
The Harris Down-Ballot X-Factor
Abby Livingston, a political expert focused on congressional dynamics, joins the discussion to analyze Kamala Harris's rising influence in the presidential race. She explores how Harris's momentum could impact down-ballot Democratic candidates in the impending elections. The conversation dives into the shifting political landscape, emphasizing voter enthusiasm, the unpredictability of polling, and how influential figures like Nancy Pelosi continue to play a crucial role. Join in for insights into the complex interplay of politics and elections!

Aug 13, 2024 • 23min
Mar-a-Lago Nightmares & Kellyanne’s Boomerang
Tara Palmeri, a sharp political journalist, sits down with Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump confidante, to explore the shifting dynamics of the Trump campaign. They discuss Trump's recent challenges, particularly with rival Kamala Harris, who’s gaining traction through impressive fundraising efforts. The conversation highlights the potential return of Conway to the campaign team and the nostalgic strategies that could reshape Trump's approach, contrasting their significantly different campaign styles as they gear up for the 2024 election.

Aug 12, 2024 • 25min
Media Monday: Zaz Truthers & Axiosology
Jon Kelly, an expert in media and politics, teams up with Olympics enthusiast Peter Hamby for a compelling discussion. They dive into the chaotic landscape of the Harris-Trump TikTok election and assess Warner Brothers Discovery's corporate troubles under David Zaslav's leadership. The duo also tackles Axios's layoffs and the shifting dynamics in media innovation, as well as the transformative impact of AI across industries. Their blend of humor and critical analysis keeps the conversation lively and engaging!

Aug 9, 2024 • 19min
NBC’s Olympics Bonanza & Venu’s Price Tag Math
John Ourand, a sports media expert, dives into NBC's surprising Olympics ratings and what it means for the future of TV. He discusses the new sports streaming platform, Venu, and its hefty price tag, pondering its value for consumers. The conversation also ventures into the HBO documentary 'Charlie Hustle,' reflecting on Pete Rose's tumultuous legacy and the impact of gambling on professional sports. Overall, it's a blend of ratings, streaming challenges, and the intricate ties between sports and integrity.

Aug 8, 2024 • 25min
Nike’s Gen Z Headaches & V.P. Fashion Faux Pas
Lauren Sherman, a fashion expert, brings her insights on Nike's challenges in connecting with Gen Z as the brand grapples with fierce competition from rivals. They discuss the missteps in Nike's strategy, including its pivot to a lifestyle marketing approach and the fallout from reducing wholesale partnerships. Additionally, Lauren humorously critiques politicians' fashion choices, debating the trend of wearing sneakers with suits and advocating for classic elegance instead.

7 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 36min
Tim Walz Game Theory
Tim Walz, the friendly governor of Minnesota, joins political analyst John Heilemann to dissect the strategic selection of Walz as Kamala Harris's running mate. They dive into how Walz’s appeal could energize Democrats and impact the 2024 elections. The duo explores the challenges of choosing vice presidential candidates, the importance of connecting with rural voters, and the political intrigue behind candidate selection. They even touch on the quirky vibe at the Wiener's Circle, adding a fun twist to their analysis.

4 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 23min
Middle East Fears & The Gershkovich Homecoming
Julia Ioffe, a foreign policy expert, shares crucial insights on the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, suggesting we're on the edge of wider conflict. Meanwhile, Evan Gershkovich, a journalist released in a complex prisoner exchange, discusses his emotional reunion with family. They highlight the intricate web of international relations and the role of diplomacy in these high-stakes situations, showcasing how personal stories intertwine with geopolitics.


