The Powers That Be: Daily

Eriq Gardner joins Peter for an in-depth discussion on the looming Sunday deadline for TikTok’s ban or forced sale, exploring Trump’s potential solutions to save the app. The conversation then shifts to Drake’s baffling lawsuit against his record label Universal Music Group, sparked by Kendrick Lamar’s now-iconic diss record “Not Like Us.” Eriq breaks down the complexities of proving defamation in creative works and speculates on the likelihood of this high-profile case ever reaching the courtroom.

Dylan Byers joins Peter to reflect on the ongoing wildfire disaster in Los Angeles, and the political blame game that’s only just begun–underscored by Mayor Karen Bass’s perplexing response to the crisis. The duo also discuss MSNBC’s president Rashida Jones’ foreshadowed departure from the network and who could potentially replace her.

Tara Palmeri joins Peter to delve into the most recent developments surrounding the looming TikTok ban, with the app slated to go black come Sunday. Tara walks through the Supreme Court’s skepticism towards TikTok’s arguments and explains how Trump could potentially use his executive power to halt the ban. Tara also discusses the broader implications for U.S.-China relations.

Jon Kelly checks in on Peter Hamby and the two old friends discuss the fates of Karen Bass, the film industry, and order derivative impacts of the tragedy in L.A. Then they dip into the demise of Venu and the future of the Murdoch empire.

Sarah Shapiro joins Peter for a deep dive into the wild world of affiliate marketing and the billion-dollar business of influencers. Sarah discusses the massive impact of creators in the retail space and chronicles an exploding battle between the industry’s perennial leader, LTK, and the bold upstart ShopMy—a rivalry defined by two cultures and starkly different visions for the business.

Dylan Byers joins Peter to discuss the devastating wildfires and winds that are ravaging Los Angeles. While Dylan praises the local media for their commendable coverage, Peter criticizes the lack of leadership from Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom.

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to walk through the explosive P.R. and legal war engulfing Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—including Baldoni’s $250 million counterattack against The New York Times. Then the duo uncover the China subplot behind Trump’s campaign to force the Supreme Court to delay a ban on TikTok.

Abby Livingston joins Peter to discuss the challenges and prospects for Republicans in passing legislation during Trump’s second term—especially after the harrowing pre-Christmas government spending bill near-disaster. Then they turn to the potential for executive orders by Trump and what, if anything, Democrats can do about it.

Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to chew over the exodus of key departures from The Washington Post and whether C.E.O. Will Lewis can pivot the newsroom with a wave of new talent. They also discuss Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL games and why sports rights seem destined for the big streamers.

Bill Cohan joins Ben to discuss how the triple threat of Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet have forced the legacy TV incumbents—Comcast, WBD, Disney, and Paramount—to countenance their own M&A visions of what Bob Iger famously called the "everything on the table" era.