At nearly two decades old, Politico's Playbook was an innovator in the now-familiar daily agenda-setting newsletter. Playbook is now more than a DC staple. It has editions in five countries with two more on the way. And it is looking to adopt a franchise model with multimedia and events extensions. Politico executive editor for Europe Kate Day joined the show to discuss the formula that makes Playbook work: the mix of exclusive reporting, service journalism, and a tone that feels like a letter from your smartest friend in politics. She talks about what stays consistent across cultures, what has to change, and why the Brussels political bubble turns out to be just as full of compelling characters as Capitol Hill.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome
00:47 TRB in Cannes
01:27 Beehiiv Spot
03:02 Conversation with Kate
06:07 Playbook Goes Global
10:17 Localizing the Formula
14:28 Axel Springer Integration
17:58 Brand and Hosts
25:21 Franchise Beyond Newsletter
28:01 Building The Pub
30:24 Breakfasts Vs Drinks
32:47 Designing Playbook Summits
35:06 Video And Streaming Push
37:52 Newsletter Saturation Limits
41:19 Choosing New Markets
45:29 AI In The Newsroom