The Powers That Be: Daily

Latest Episodes:

MSNBC’s Identity Crisis & Condé Gets Nasty Nov 14, 2025

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Dylan Byers joins Peter with intel from two embattled media empires facing existential reinvention: MSNBC, which officially rebrands tomorrow as MS NOW, is embarking on a risky new chapter amid the network’s streaming-era identity crisis. Meanwhile, over at Condé Nast, four unionized employees were abruptly fired after protesting the shuttering of Teen Vogue. (Incredibly, even many people who are typically pro-union seemed to agree that the union had gone too far…)

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Ellison’s Earnings Call Head Fake Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Bill Cohan joins Peter to break down Paramount’s first earnings call since merging with Skydance—which, ironically, was barely about earnings at all. Instead, David Ellison dazzled Wall Street with talk of new investments, new technology, and, of course, some important cost-cutting measures. Bill reads the tea leaves on what’s next for Ellison and Co.—and whether acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery fits in the plan.

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The Altman Lawsuit-palooza & OpenAI Bailout Fears Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to discuss the legal inferno engulfing OpenAI, as multiple families sue the company for allegedly driving users toward suicidal delusions—and why it would be disastrous for Sam Altman’s empire if these cases ever make it to discovery. Meanwhile, Altman is already in damage-control mode after his finance chief suggested that the government might step into help them out if their revenue continues to stall.

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The Dems’ Great Shutdown Surrender Nov 11, 2025

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Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter with the inside scoop on why the longest government shutdown in U.S. history is likely to come to an end this week—thanks to a few Senate Democrats who broke ranks and braved the wrath of their own base to cut a deal with Republicans. Plus, Leigh Ann on the Hill’s latest parlor game: is Chuck Schumer still the Democrats’ guy, or just the last one to know he’s not?

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Media Monday: Vox Spin Foreplay & Netflix’s Post-Saturation Scheme Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

The longtime pals Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby reunite to discuss reports of a Vox Media spin-off sitch—itself a potential micro-micro-microcosm of the WBD deal. And then they turn their attention to Netflix’s scheme for combatting its current saturation in the U.S. and Canada.

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Introducing Free Range with Von Miller Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

Step inside the mind of NFL legend Von Miller as he goes free range — from the gridiron to the culture at large. Each week, Von breaks down the biggest football stories, dives into the world of sports and entertainment, and chops it up with athletes, artists, and trendsetters shaping the conversation. Equal parts football IQ, locker room energy, and societal curiosity, Free Range is where game meets culture, and no topic is off-limits. You might even get some inside nuggets on this Super Bowl MVP’s chicken farm!

Rubin’s Fanatics Formula Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

Live from Puck’s In The Arena sports media conference, Fanatics founder Michael Rubin sits down with Bill Cohan and Michael Nathanson to discuss how he reimagined the sports merchandise world, built a digital juggernaut of commerce, collectibles, and betting, and became one of the most connected figures in sports and entertainment. He also opens up about Fanatics’ next chapter—including the path to a possible I.P.O.

The WBD-Ellison Enigma Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

Kim Masters joins Peter with the latest on the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding bonanza, explaining why Hollywood insiders are still betting on the Ellisons and Paramount Skydance to outplay Comcast, Netflix, and maybe even Amazon. Yet, as Kim explains, the Town remains wary of David Ellison’s grand promises—and his not-so-subtle public musings about what he’d do with WBD’s iconic studio.

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The Dems’ Election Night Hangover Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Abby Livingston joins Peter to break down the political fallout from Tuesday’s elections and what it all means for 2026. While Democrats racked up big wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and beyond, Abby explains why the results aren’t an automatic endorsement of the party’s broader agenda—and why relying on Trump’s unpopularity might be a risky strategy.

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Sam Altman’s A.I. Power Loop Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to chart OpenAI’s journey from an idealistic nonprofit into a profit-hungry juggernaut, with Sam Altman now steering the company toward billions in A.I. revenue. Ian also shares fresh revelations from a recent deposition that sheds light on OpenAI’s failed to oust Sam Altman from the company two years ago.

See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠

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