The Powers That Be: Daily

Jon Kelly, Editor-in-chief of Puck and a media expert, joins Julia Alexander to dive into Apple's significant bid for Formula 1's U.S. media rights, exploring its potential to dominate sports broadcasting. They also analyze Linda Yaccarino's surprising exit from X, shedding light on the dysfunctions plaguing the platform and its survival prospects under Musk. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics in media investing and the unpredictable future of digital platforms, drawing parallels with leadership struggles in today's media landscape.

Matt Belloni, author of Puck's What I'm Hearing newsletter and host of The Town Podcast, shares insights on the high-stakes competition between DC and Marvel. He discusses how Warner Bros. is banking on a successful Superman reboot amid past misfires. The conversation also covers Marvel's challenges with the upcoming Fantastic Four and the evolving superhero landscape. Belloni highlights James Gunn's potential impact on DC's revival and examines the pressing need for both studios to capture audience interest in a changing market.

Ian Krietzberg, Puck's AI expert, joins Julia Alexander to discuss the controversy surrounding Grok, Elon Musk's AI agent on X. They dive into Grok's problematic outputs, including anti-Semitic remarks, and the ethics of AI in public discourse. Krietzberg emphasizes the risks of ideological customization and the need for platform accountability. The conversation also touches on the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated information to combat misinformation, making it clear that navigating AI's role in society is more important than ever.

Dylan Byers, a media expert from Puck, joins guest host Julia Ioffe to dissect the implications of CBS’s $16 million settlement with Trump, shedding light on press freedom and media ownership challenges. They explore the increasing legal pressures media faces from Trump’s tactics and the financial struggles within the industry. Byers highlights Paramount’s plummeting value and the normalization of settlements with powerful figures, raising critical questions about journalistic integrity and the future of holding the powerful accountable.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a Congressional reporter known for her insights on political dynamics, joins to dissect the Republicans' surprising unity behind Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. They explore how fear of political fallout silenced dissent and discuss the waning influence of the Freedom Caucus amidst this cohesion. The conversation also highlights the contrasting strategies of Senators Collins and Murkowski, revealing how their maneuvers impact their states. Tune in for a lively discussion on political alignment and its implications!

John Kelly, editor-in-chief of Puck and a recurring voice in media discussions, dives into the turbulent landscape facing traditional publishers due to AI and Google. He describes the critical shift towards community-focused content as revenue declines. The conversation highlights YouTube's dominance and its challenges, with insights into how creators like Mr. Beast are reshaping content strategies. Lastly, they explore the future of media, the role of AI, and the need for creators to adapt in an ever-evolving digital world.

Lauren Sherman, fashion expert and author of Puck's Line Sheet, joins guest host Julia Alexander to discuss the lavish wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. They explore how vintage and custom pieces overshadow traditional high-end gowns, reflecting changing tastes. The conversation shifts to Jonathan Anderson's impactful debut at Dior, hinting at a pivotal shift in high fashion's future amidst current industry challenges like a spending slump in China and the rise of secondhand luxury.

John Ourand, author of Puck's Varsity Newsletter, joins Julia Alexander to discuss the implications of Paramount's recent $16 million settlement with Trump on CBS Sports. They dive into how this might reshape CBS under Jeff Shell’s leadership. The conversation also unpacks the rise of skinny bundles, the fierce competition for sports rights, and Amazon Channels’ advantages. With the future of TV hanging in the balance, they explore the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting, audience engagement, and the shift towards simplified subscription models.

Ian Krietzberg, a Puck colleague and author of The Hidden Layer newsletter on AI, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to dissect the chaotic unraveling of a controversial A.I. provision in recent legislation. They delve into the paradoxes of Trump’s A.I. strategy, such as the contradictory push for deregulation alongside a massive investment in the Stargate Initiative. The discussion also highlights bipartisan tensions over AI governance and the necessity of protecting vulnerable populations from potential harms of emerging technologies.

Eriq Gardner, a legal expert at Puck, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to dissect the Supreme Court's surprising ruling affecting birthright citizenship. They unpack the decision's actual focus on restricting lower courts from issuing nationwide injunctions, highlighting its ripple effects on immigration and foreign aid. The conversation dives into how this ruling reshapes federal litigation and challenges lawyers and policymakers alike, all while navigating the evolving power dynamics between state and federal authorities.