Matthew Belloni • November 29, 2021

Bob Iger Would Love to Buy an NBA Team. Could the Phoenix Suns Be It?

There are big hurdles—including a potential $2 billion price tag. But if everything falls in place, Iger could get that gracious Disney exit he has coveted.

Dylan Byers • November 26, 2021

ESPN’s Future, Aryeh’s Book & Laurene’s Portfolio

A conversation with Puck editor-in-chief Jon Kelly about the rapid evolution and cutthroat future of the media-technology business.

William D. Cohan and Dylan Byers • November 24, 2021

MSNBC Panic, The Reign of Redstone & The Murdochs’ ‘Succession’ Drama

Inside the dynastic politics, boardroom dramas, and M&A land-grabs that are reshaping the media-tech-financial landscape.

Julia Ioffe • November 23, 2021

Murdoch’s Big Lie & Putin at the Gates

Pre-Thanksgiving reflections on the Tucker Carlson-ification of Fox News, Russia’s designs on Ukraine, and more.

Dylan Byers • November 19, 2021

Bob Chapek’s Master Plan Is Doubling Down on Hulu

Plus: Could Joe Scarborough be the next loose-in-the-saddle talent to put the screws to MSNBC?

Dylan Byers • November 12, 2021

Bloomberg’s Davos & Some Disney Dish

Can Bloomberg remake the global hobnobbing and policy circuit in its image? Seems like it. Also, some internal Disney deliberations.

Dylan Byers • November 10, 2021

The Brian Williams Guessing Game Begins

By sticking around to write a second act at MSNBC, Williams has positioned himself to write a third act somewhere else, and seemingly everything is on the table—except the CBS Evening News.

Julia Ioffe • November 4, 2021

Tales from the CNN Trump-Era Green Room

Kirsten Powers, who went from liberal on Fox News to anti-Trump voice on CNN, explains what happens when the shouting matches end, the cameras turn off, and you’re stuck in the green room with Santorum. And how to handle it all, and more, with a little grace.

Dylan Byers • October 22, 2021

The New York Times Succession Sweepstakes Is Probably Settled

The inside scoop on the three media stories that everyone is talking about this Friday: The New York Times’ forthcoming succession horse race, Axel’s consummation of Politico, and a little more juice about Facebook’s new identity.

Dylan Byers • October 15, 2021

Will Disney and ESPN Consciously Uncouple?

Bob Chapek has asked some of his closest deputies to explore the strategic rationale for potentially spinning off the sports network, sources say. As one person with knowledge of the discussions told me, “There are now conversations happening regularly at Disney about whether or not to spin off ESPN.”

Matthew Belloni • October 11, 2021

‘Hits’ Magazine Will Give You Great Coverage for Just $150,000 a Year

I’m no Pollyanna when it comes to the trade press. But I’ve never seen a quid pro quo as explicit as this proposed contract sent to a major talent agency.

Dylan Byers • October 8, 2021

Facebook Faces the Media’s Existential Crisis

Despite coverage suggesting the contrary, Facebook is not facing an existential crisis, and Frances Haugen is far from Facebook's worst nightmare. In fact, she might even be the company’s ideal whistleblower.

Baratunde Thurston • October 6, 2021

After The Tide: Confronting Race in America Now

It’s hard enough sometimes just living in Black skin in America. But I’ve chosen to work as a sense-maker and storyteller to help others process this often nonsensical and maddening land we share. This piece is the first in a series.

Dylan Byers • September 29, 2021

“CNN Light—Until It Isn’t”: Jeff Zucker Will Build His News Trojan Horse

Zucker, who was expected to depart from CNN in December, will now stay on through the inception of CNN+, and into 2022. Amid rumors of a high-profile promotion at the forthcoming Warner Bros. Discovery, he has told at least one friend that he would be happier staying in his current position, building out the new company's global news and sports businesses.

Julia Ioffe • September 28, 2021

The Powerbroker: How Bob Woodward Conquered Washington

At 78, Woodward has become the ultimate Washington monument: a subject of public adulation and private eye-rolling, essentially making him no different from the public figures he covers.