The Powers That Be: Daily

Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck and executive producer, joins Dylan Byers to analyze the fallout from the Warner Brothers Discovery spinoff. They dive into the shifting landscape of major media networks like HBO and CNN, spotlighting the financial strains and layoffs affecting these giants. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by The Washington Post under Matt Murray’s leadership, shedding light on its identity crisis amid evolving viewer habits and uncertain futures.

John Ourand, an expert on sports broadcasting rights and author of Puck's Varsity newsletter, joins guest host Julia Alexander to dive into the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery's corporate split. They discuss the drop in NBA Finals ratings and its potential link to viewer fatigue. The conversation also highlights the NBA's struggle to nurture new stars following the retirements of legends like LeBron James. With rights negotiations changing, they explore how these shifts affect both traditional and emerging broadcasting platforms.

Eriq Gardner, author of Puck's What I'm Hearing Plus newsletter, dives into the recent legal developments involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. He explains how a judge dismissed many of Baldoni's claims, potentially emboldening other stars to speak out. The conversation also highlights the shifting landscape of Hollywood lawsuits, drawing parallels to other high-profile cases while discussing public perception fueled by social media. Eriq offers keen insights into the implications these legal battles hold for the entertainment industry.

Political analyst Abby Livingston joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to untangle the G.O.P.'s major internal strife over the Big Beautiful Bill, likening it to the tumult of Obamacare. They discuss the implications of the Musk-Trump fallout and which Republicans might benefit from the rift. The conversation dives into Medicaid bill impacts and the precarious balance of loyalty among party members. Finally, they examine the evolving landscape of political donations, spotlighting the waning influence of Musk and the power of key donors.

Warner Bros. Discovery is splitting into two companies, sparking debates about the future of HBO Max and CNN. The restructuring aims to separate streaming from traditional cable, carrying heavy debt burdens. With Wall Street's mixed reactions, fears about CNN's leadership changes loom large. Insights into past mergers reveal ongoing challenges for WarnerMedia, as executives navigate a rapidly changing media landscape. This corporate divorce raises critical questions about debt management and investor expectations.

The fallout from Karine Jean-Pierre's party switch and book release raises eyebrows over political loyalties. Shari Redstone faces mounting pressures in her tumultuous Paramount-Skydance negotiations. A humorous dive into language and recent NBA drama draws fun comparisons to political theater. Career trajectories of former press secretaries reveal the tricky path from politics to media. Meanwhile, legal hurdles present new challenges for the iconic 60 Minutes, spotlighting ongoing frustrations in the media landscape.

Eriq Gardner, an author and legal expert from Puck, joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack the New York Times' legal battle against OpenAI related to copyright and an unexpected AI licensing deal with Amazon. They discuss the implications this could have for journalism and media. The conversation shifts to the reality TV realm, highlighting Leah McSweeney's lawsuit against Andy Cohen and the fallout from alleged smear campaigns, providing insights into the ethical quandaries of the bustling entertainment industry.

Bill Cohan, author of Puck's Dry Powder Newsletter and a Warner Bros. Discovery expert, joins Julia Alexander to tackle the financial turmoil plaguing Warner Bros. Discovery. They dive into the implications of a recent debt downgrade and stagnant growth in income. The discussion navigates CEO David Zaslav's controversial leadership approach, shareholder trust issues, and potential mergers on the horizon. Listeners gain insight into the company's operational changes and the turbulent future of streaming and linear content.

Marion Maneker, an author and art market expert, joins guest host Julia Ioffe to discuss Dasha Zhukova's evolution into a key player in art-centric real estate. They explore her innovative projects that blend art with community living, emphasizing accessibility. The conversation shifts to the Met's recently reopened Rockefeller wing, spotlighting African and Oceanic art and its cultural significance. Maneker highlights how these developments reflect broader trends in the art market and challenge neocolonialist practices.

Guest Abby Livingston, a seasoned political reporter and co-author of 'The Best and the Brightest,' joins host Julia Ioffe to dissect the Democrats' midterm strategies. They tackle the challenges of gerontocracy and the need for strong, relatable candidates. The discussion highlights the party's evolving recruitment landscape, emphasizing a shift toward veterans and scientists. They also explore generational tensions within leadership and how these dynamics could impact the upcoming elections, offering a thought-provoking look at the path forward for Democrats.