Julia and Dylan scrutinize Disney’s perplexing decision to sideline Jimmy Kimmel under pressure from the F.C.C.—a move that raises thorny questions about media freedom, corporate backbone, and whether Disney actually just created more headaches for itself. They also dig into The New York Times’ evolving strategy and why the paper has emerged as one of the last news institutions standing up to Trump’s media crackdown.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Meredith Kopit Levien, C.E.O. of The New York Times, joins Dylan and Julia for a deep dive into the paper’s metamorphosis from a traditional news company to a full-spectrum lifestyle brand. Levien breaks down how they’re harnessing A.I. tools, tinkering with audio and video, and sharpening its advertising playbook—all while building a diverse revenue stream anchored in subscriptions. She also weighs in on The Athletic’s success, the Times’s quest to reach 15 million subscribers by 2027, and much, much more.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Julia and Dylan chew over the latest machinations along media's waterfront: Rupert Murdoch’s succession denouement and the future of Fox and News Corp, how ‘The Atlantic’ is faring in the new media landscape, the latest angst percolating through Hudson Yards, and  much more.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

On this special crossover episode, Peter Hamby and Dylan chronicle the closing act of the Murdoch succession drama, as Rupert’s massive media empire lands squarely in the hands of his staunchly conservative son, Lachlan, while the other three siblings walk away with a hefty payout. They explore what this means for Fox’s future—and just how long the 94-year-old Rupert will continue to wield his power behind the scenes.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Rick Berke, former Politico executive editor and founder of STAT News, joins Dylan to reflect on his 10-year journey from startup to building one of the most authoritative voices in the life sciences industry. Berke explains how he turned STAT into a profitable media venture, the hurdles facing subscription-based models, and why it’s so difficult for legacy giants like the Washington Post or LA Times to pull off the same trick.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Julia and Dylan break down David Ellison’s imminent acquisition of Bari Weiss’s The Free Press—and how her anti-establishment worldview could reverberate through the editorial D.N.A. of CBS News. They also explore how the likely nine-figure deal could spark a fresh cycle of digital media M&A, and what it augurs for the Substack economy and creator economy writ large. Then Dylan and Julia decode the landmark Google antitrust ruling that effectively sanctifies the company’s “pay-to-play” strategy.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Andrew Rosen, the former Paramount executive and founder of PARQOR, joins Dylan to break down the divergent digital strategies of The New York Times and ESPN. While the Times is precise and leans into product design tailored to specific consumer habits, ESPN continues to chase mass scale and broad reach. Rosen argues that ESPN’s model risks leaving engagement on the table—and makes the case for a more personalized, fan-first approach, à la the Times and The Athletic.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Julia Alexander and Dylan reunite to hash out the week’s biggest media stories: The New York Times’ increasing investment in A.I.; how technology is undermining Disney magic—and what this portends for Bob Iger’s media strategy; the spectacle of the U.S. Open; the brewing Portnoy-McAfee rivalry, and much, much more. 

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Andy Lack, former chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, joins Dylan to pore over the myriad existential crises rattling television news, from CBS’s messy Trump settlement to the Versant spin that leaves MSNBC in the wilderness—and more. He also discusses his new act as a purveyor of local news startups across the Deep South, and his bid to build sustainable outlets at a time when local journalism is facing significant headwinds.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Julia Alexander reunites with Dylan to break down ESPN’s long-awaited “super app,” which launched yesterday as the network’s boldest bid yet to remain the central hub for sports fans in an increasingly crowded rights landscape. They also touch on Fox’s new streaming gambit, Fox One—a leaner, no-frills play for cord-cutters—and what these parallel moves reveal about the shifting future of sports media.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica