<![CDATA[The Media Club with Matt Deegan]]>https://www.themediaclub.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!iouX!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F34c1f9f7-1597-4594-8f56-775966184f9a_1280x1280.pngThe Media Club with Matt Deeganhttps://www.themediaclub.comSubstackMon, 27 Jul 2026 05:42:32 GMT<![CDATA[Is The BBC In Jeopardy? Plus: Zeteo UK launch]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/is-the-bbc-in-jeopardy-plus-zeteo-ea7https://www.themediaclub.com/p/is-the-bbc-in-jeopardy-plus-zeteo-ea7Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:00:00 GMTThe BBC's annual report lands with a sharp rise in licence fee dodgers and a stark warning from new Director General Matt Brittin that the corporation is being held back by its own funding model. LBC's Iain Dale gives us his verdict on where Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's plan to widen the licence fee to streamers goes next.

** WIN A £50 John Lewis voucher - simply fill in our listener survey, and help us shape the future of the show. You’ll be entered into a prize draw. Do it now. **

Also on the show: a new name in British political journalism. has left ITV News to become political editor of Zeteo UK, the British outpost of Mehdi Hasan's insurgent US operation. He tells us why. We also ask whether he’s said too much in his new autobiography.

All that plus: as AI learns to remix the news into whatever shape you fancy, we ask what's left for journalists to do... Banijay and All3Media complete their merger to create an £8billion giant, and Edinburgh says goodbye to its TV Festival... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, an annual tradition returns, as we play Play Your BBC Salaries Right.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Remember to do our survey… click here

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further Reading:

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]]><![CDATA[The Mail's Big Win, Sky's Bigger Buy]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-mails-big-win-skys-bigger-buy-55ehttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-mails-big-win-skys-bigger-buy-55eFri, 10 Jul 2026 03:30:00 GMTA High Court judge throws out Prince Harry’s privacy case against the Daily Mail's publisher, on every count. Guardian media editor Michael Savage sifts through the wreckage.

Also on the show: Sky agrees a £1.6bn deal to buy ITV's channels and ITVX - reshaping British broadcasting overnight. 

Clive Dickens of The Meliora Company joins us for our now traditional, biannual AI roundup... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we're heading back to Saturday mornings.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further Reading:

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]]><![CDATA[Sky Commits To Coronation Street; Radio 4 Commits To TikTok]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/sky-commits-to-coronation-street-b60https://www.themediaclub.com/p/sky-commits-to-coronation-street-b60Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMTSky puts its money where its mouth is, pledging billions to secure Coronation Street and Love Island as it closes in on a takeover of ITV's channels. But with Sky's own parent company announcing a split this week, what does it all mean for Sky News? TV critic and producer Steven D Wright weighs up the deal.

Also on the show: Radio 4's Today programme is being told to put TikTok before its own airwaves. Is the nation's most trusted news alarm clock about to lose its edge? And with the Guardian announcing dozens of new digital jobs of its own, freelance media journalist Tara Conlan - who writes for the Guardian amongst others - on an industry that can't stop chasing the feed.

All that plus: the Telegraph finally gets a permanent owner, the Culture Secretary takes aim at another media mega-merger... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we open the boxes on the week's biggest deals.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further Reading:

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Are Freeview's days numbered?]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/are-freeviews-days-numbered-35ehttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/are-freeviews-days-numbered-35eFri, 26 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMTAre Freeview's days numbered? Sam Sharps, Chief Executive of The Connection Project, walks us through the Government's Media Green Paper.

Also on the show: Fox is acquiring Roku for $22bn. Journalist Kate Bulkley on what Lachlan Murdoch is really buying.

All that plus: the Edinburgh TV Festival becomes the Manchester TV Festival, Sky edges closer to buying ITV’s channels… and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we head into the laboratory.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further Reading:

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Enter the Metrics: What Counts As A ‘Play’ These Days?]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/enter-the-metrics-what-counts-as-31fhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/enter-the-metrics-what-counts-as-31fFri, 19 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMTWhen is a play, not a play? Or a download not a download? As Spotify updates its analytics, we take a look at how YouTube, Apple and others define what we monetise.

Elsewhere, the BBC outlines where the axe will fall. Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson, a veteran of both the BBC and this podcast, tells us more.

Also on the podcast: who’s training the next generation of content makers? Prince Taylor, Executive Producer of Latent Pictures, on whether high-end TV training is actually in good shape.

All that plus: the Government bans social media for the under-sixteens - is this the moment kids’ platforms have been waiting for? And, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, three more media stories where reality is up for grabs.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading:

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[The Doctor Will Not See You Now]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-doctor-will-not-see-you-now-4bbhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-doctor-will-not-see-you-now-4bbFri, 12 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMTThe BBC puts Doctor Who out to tender - no Christmas special, no Russell T Davies, no Bad Wolf. Broadcast’s Insight Editor Rebecca Cooney on what’s really been going on behind the TARDIS doors.

Also on the show: how do you explain the world to an eight-year-old? Vanessa Harriss, editor of The Week Junior, on the healthy business of children’s media - and why kids still want it in print.

All that plus: ITV, Channel 4 and Sky tell the BBC to stop paddling up Schitt’s Creek... Rhodri Talfan Davies lands the deputy DG job... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, everybody’s moving house.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading:

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Happy now? Google adds an AI Opt-Out]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/happy-now-google-adds-an-ai-opt-out-452https://www.themediaclub.com/p/happy-now-google-adds-an-ai-opt-out-452Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMTThe CMA hands publishers a world-first opt-out from Google's AI Overviews; Alex Hudson tells us whether this is the breakthrough it looks like.

Also on the show: Nutopia's Simon Willgoss on making the first major World War II documentary series since The World At War 50 years ago - twenty episodes, one war, one very famous narrator.

All that plus: Jon Petrie exits the BBC for Hat Trick, Netflix gets careful about contributor welfare... and The Audio Network Media Quiz spots the elephant in the room.

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🎙️ 📺 Listen/Watch on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading:

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Live from The Podcast Show and the ARIAS]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/live-from-the-podcast-show-and-thehttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/live-from-the-podcast-show-and-theSun, 24 May 2026 10:23:49 GMT

Live from The Podcast Show, thanks to Audio Network, we’re tackling the biggest question facing the sector: should podcasters pivot to video, and if so, how do you avoid repeating the costly mistakes of Fleet Street? Press Gazette’s Charlotte Tobitt, London Centric founder Jim Waterson, and BBC Studios Audio’s Thomas Curry were all on the front lines when newspapers experimented their way through the Great Pivot in the 2010s - and they’ve got plenty of warnings about what happens when platforms call the shots.

From Buzzfeed burning through Facebook’s money on Prime Ministerial interviews nobody watched, to local newspapers being forced to Facebook Live everything regardless of context, the panel explores why news publishers chased reach over engagement and what podcasters can learn before making the same mistakes.

We’re also celebrating the winners of this year’s ARIAs at the Roundhouse, thanks to radio experts - a sound perspective - catching up with the Hits Radio team after winning station of the year, Trevor Nelson on his special recognition award, Mishal Husain winning radio moment of the year, BBC Sounds’ Jonny Kanagasooriam and How To Fail’s Elizabeth Day.

Back at the Podcast Show we speak to Audio Always’ Clare Chambers and Paul Fearnley on their innovative cross-promotion strategy using podcast continuity announcements and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play “The Weakest Podcast Link”. Can the panel can spot the real podcast show announcements from producer Matt’s fabrications, from Acast launching 3D podcasts to Global rolling out new YouTube advertising capabilities?

Talking about video podcasts is one thing, but making one every week is another. It’s easier to do when you’re in a great studio, but this week’s show was all out and about. So thanks to our sponsors Audio Network and radio experts, Matt Hill for recording and filming and Kristen at Podcast Discovery for bringing all the video together!

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen or watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube:

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

Our appearance at the podcast show as well as the Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Our ARIAS coverage is sponsored by radio experts - the audio agency specialist bringing you a sound perspective.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[The Pivot To Video: What Podcasts Can Learn From The Press]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-pivot-to-video-what-podcasts-e65https://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-pivot-to-video-what-podcasts-e65Fri, 22 May 2026 03:30:00 GMTWe're live at The Podcast Show to tackle the biggest question facing the sector: should podcasters pivot to video - and if so, how do you do it without repeating the mistakes of Fleet St? Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette, Guardian founder Jim Waterson and BBC Studios Audio's Thomas Curry were all there the first time around, and they're here to warn of what might be.

Also on the show: we're at the ARIA awards at the Roundhouse, where Trevor Nelson, Elizabeth Day, BBC Sounds and Mishal Husain are among the night's big winners.

All that plus: in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we play The Weakest Podcast Link.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode and he and the team can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.com

Our Arias coverage is brought to you in partnership with radio experts: the audio agency specialists. Learn more at https://radioexperts.co.uk/

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

]]><![CDATA[Does News Need More Personality?]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/does-news-need-more-personality-933https://www.themediaclub.com/p/does-news-need-more-personality-933Fri, 15 May 2026 03:30:00 GMTIs traditional journalism losing the battle for attention - or are individual journalists actually winning it? Dino Sofos, founder of Persephonica, helped build the shows from BBC’s Newscast to Global’s The News Agents has some thoughts.

Also on the show: ITN CEO Rachel Corp steps down immediately - and her replacement is the man who had just quit to take another job. Broadcast Magazine's Heather Fallon on the shock at the heart of Britain's biggest commercial news operation.

All that plus: the Strictly hosting race produces a bombshell reveal, Tim Burrowes of Mumbrella on the Kyle and Jackie O fallout, Australian media, and what the B2B publishing world is talking about this week.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode and she can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Broadcasters must react to threat from creator journalism - Deborah Turness

Prolific finance journalists facing questions over identities

ITN CEO Rachel Corp steps down immediately

Zoe Ball confirms she won't be hosting Strictly Come Dancing

Ofcom to investigate GB News

Osman takes The Golden Elevators

Big Break returning to BBC daytime

BBC confirms Radio 4 Long Wave switch-off date

Netflix reveals $135bn content spend over past decade

BBC staff fear meagre pay rise after bosses forgo own increase

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[Richard Bacon: Formats Geek]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/richard-bacon-formats-geek-8b5https://www.themediaclub.com/p/richard-bacon-formats-geek-8b5Fri, 08 May 2026 03:30:00 GMTAs the greats of the press descend on London for the Truth Tellers annual conference, Politico's Allison Hoffman talks to The Media Club about SLAPPS and the other obstacles to getting a story out there.

Also on the show: broadcaster - and now formats geek - Richard Bacon on his new podcast, Why Are You More Successful Than Me? A question, of course, we will also be asking.

All that plus: a celebrated sports exec bids farewell to Channel 4 - and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we reveal some major plot twists.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selected the music to score this edition and he and the team can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week

Wall St Journal warns of waning press freedom

Mill Media’s legal threat

BBC News hit hardest by new cuts 

C4's head of sport moves to Whisper 

Letterman On Future Of Late Night

https://deadline.com/2026/05/dept-q-netflix-left-bank-training-programme-1236877887/

Acast makes first profit evs

Name That Tune is BACK

The Epstein Files are BACK

Celebrity Traitors is BACK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/format-fever-skys-gamble-and-the-e23https://www.themediaclub.com/p/format-fever-skys-gamble-and-the-e23Fri, 01 May 2026 03:30:00 GMT200 companies pitched for the BBC and NBC's next global format - and the winner is a partnership between Expectation and Plegazoid. CMG Productions' Claire McArdle, making her debut today, on what it takes to design something that can travel.

Also on the show: Sky News is remaking itself as a premium, subscription-first newsroom by 2030. Gold Wala's Faraz Osman on whether that's a strategy or a euphemism.

All that plus: The Ankler leaves Substack. Patreon launches Quips. iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talks. And The Audio Network Media Quiz - three stories that all end with something unexpected.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selected the music to score this game and he and the team can do it for you too, at audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Expectation and Plegazoid win BBC-NBCU format tender

Sky News unveils premium video-first strategy

The Ankler leaves Substack for new platform

Patreon launches Quips and discovery network

iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talks

Barclay Brothers settle with HSBC

Sophie Jones named new RTS CEO

Marvellous Miniature Workshop renewed for 20 episodes

Trump claims BBC used AI in Jan 6 edit

Allison Pearson cleared to sue Essex Police

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/youtubes-audio-ads-channel-4s-big-a55https://www.themediaclub.com/p/youtubes-audio-ads-channel-4s-big-a55Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMTYouTube is officially an audio platform. Karin Robinson, Senior Director of Strategy at Edelman, on whether we all need to open our eyes.

Also on the show: as the Warner Brothers deal is signed off by the shareholders... STV Studios CEO David Mortimer on mergers, acquisitions and more in the TV sector. 

All that plus: Channel 4 launches a root-and-branch review... and there’s The Audio Network Media Quiz, where we test our guests’ grasp of the week’s news... by dropping some big names.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selects the music to score each episode and he and the team can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

YouTube and SiriusXM partner on audio advertising

Sounds Profitable Audio Primes 2026 report

Channel 4 launches strategic review under Priya Dogra

Channel 4: runners and riders to replace Ian Katz

Sky News launches paywalled content

Standard website now run by Independent

Onion to lease Infowars

BBC Buys In Traitors India

Richard Bacon Interviews More Successful People

Journalist On The Hook For £14k After Investigation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[8 Out Of 10, Katz?]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/8-out-of-10-katzhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/8-out-of-10-katzFri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:12 GMTWe’re back! At least, the show is - Matt is still on holiday but Scott Bryan is here to take us through the week’s media news.

And what a week with Ian Katz announcing his departure from Channel 4, and the BBC tells staff that up to 2,000 roles will go in the next round of cuts. Broadcast Magazine’s Rebecca Cooney takes us through a big week in TV.

Sign up to get more media talk

Also on the show: it’s a rare podcast to TV journey - except that the podcast was never finished. BAFTA-winning TV director Simon Draper joins us to talk about his new documentary Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me, inadvertedly telling his personal story of the commissioning slowdown in the process.

All that plus: Gary Neville buys ‘those bloody YouTubers’... Trump’s libel campaign runs aground... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we rise above the politics.

That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!

Listen or watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube:

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading:

Ian Katz leaves Channel 4 After 9 Years

BBC announces latest round of cuts

The BBC has launched it’s first YouTube docs

Gary Neville’s buys ‘those bloody YouTubers‘

Trump’s Libel cases fall apart

Telegraph takeover cleared

ASA rules on Lidl and Iceland junk food ads

SNL UK announces new guest hosts

Boris Johnson heading to Ukraine for 5

Scott Mills’ replacement to be a wildcard

Thanks for reading The Media Club with Matt Deegan! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[8 Out Of 10, Katz?]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/8-out-of-10-katz-b1dhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/8-out-of-10-katz-b1dFri, 17 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMTIan Katz leaves Channel 4, and the BBC has announced up to 2,000 job cuts. Broadcast Magazine's Rebecca Cooney on a big week in TV.

Also on the show: it’s a rare podcast to TV journey - except that the podcast was never finished. TV director Simon Draper joins us to talk about his new documentary, and what it says about the jobs crisis still facing the TV industry.

All that plus: Gary Neville buys 'those bloody YouTubers'... Trump's libel campaign runs aground... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we rise above the politics.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us each episode - and this week, her team's music features in Simon's documentary too. Find out more at: audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios. For 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at: podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at: themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Ian Katz leaves Channel 4 After 9 Years

BBC announces latest round of cuts 

The BBC has launched it's first YouTube docs

Gary Neville’s buys 'those bloody YouTubers'

Trump’s Libel cases fall apart

Telegraph takeover cleared

ASA rules on Lidl and Iceland junk food ads

SNL UK announces new guest hosts

Boris Johnson heading to Ukraine for 5

Scott Mills' replacement to be a wildcard

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[Sky’s £16m SNL Bet]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/skys-16m-snl-bet-864https://www.themediaclub.com/p/skys-16m-snl-bet-864Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:30:00 GMTSNL UK launches on Sky One as news emerges over the cost of production. Can the show defy the early critics? And what is Sky seeking to get from its extended run, beyond a repost from President Trump?

Huw Edwards attacks the Channel 5 drama about his downfall - but the show pulls 1.5 million viewers anyway. Alex Hudson joins us to ask whether any sympathy is owed. 

Also: Matt Brittin becomes the BBC's 18th Director General - a Google man with no journalism experience. What does that mean for the corporation at the most critical moment in its history?

And in Part Two, we sit down with Tom Price, Content Distribution Director at Roku, who's just launched five new ITV Studios FAST channels in the UK - and has thoughts on whether human curation is dead.

All that plus: Edinburgh TV Festival picks its shortlist, Global Studios gets a new boss... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we visit the parallel universe where none of the news happened.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us to score each episode and she and her team can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

SNL Budget a rumoured £2m/episode

Huw Edwards' attacks Channel 4 drama

Donald Trump Reposts SNL UK Cold Open

Prince Harry case faces setback

Matt Brittin becomes new BBC DG 

TV Festival 2027 venue shortlist announced

Craig Hunter to head up Global Studios

Ghosts Tops Adaptations Hitlist

Stephen Colbert to enter the Shires

Mr Benn Movie

Sora closed by OpenAI

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]><![CDATA[The Brittin's Empire - New DG Set To Be Announced]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-brittins-empire-new-dg-set-to-a0bhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/the-brittins-empire-new-dg-set-to-a0bFri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMTMatt Brittin is being lined up to replace Tim Davie at the BBC - but first, a speech, and a Culture Secretary with a parting gift. Media writer Kate Bulkley and Edelman's Karin Robinson decode a week in BBC politics.

Also on the show: a new Policing and Media Charter promises journalists they can pick up the phone again - and Reach takes the BBC to task over local news dominance in its charter consultation response.

All that plus: the BPG Award winners, the FCC's war on independent news - and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, it is time for the Weekend Update.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex (who is a real person) selects the music for us to score each episode and she and her team can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Lisa Nandy signals to BBC that permenant charter is within reach

DG Davie's Swansong speech

Police to have dedicated contact for journalists

Reach accuses BBC of damaging local news

The FCC and its war against independent news

BBC Asks Court To Throw Out Trump Case - as Trump cries AI

New Partners Announced for Apple Podcast Video product

SNL UK launches this Saturday. Can it make a splash?

Sony Exits The Octopod

Disney takes a pass on the Buffy reboot

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]]><![CDATA[Telegraph Sale, Mega Merger & World Cup Ready]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/telegraph-sale-mega-merger-and-worldhttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/telegraph-sale-mega-merger-and-worldFri, 13 Mar 2026 11:04:00 GMTAfter three years of false starts and failed bids, the Daily Telegraph finally has a new owner - and it’s not who anyone expected. German publishing giant Axel Springer has swooped in with a £575 million cash offer, beating the Daily Mail to claim one of Britain’s most storied newspapers. Media historian Maggie Brown explains why this deal might actually stick and what it means for press diversity in the UK.

We’re also digging deeper into the Banijay and All3Media $8 billion mega-merger now the dust has begun to settle. Juan Delgado, CEO of Footballco - the world’s largest football media company - joins to discuss whether Netflix might be circling this newly-created production behemoth, and what life inside an $8 billion content empire actually looks like. Also on the show, the BBC’s new podcast deal for indies takes its first practical steps with Elis James and John Robins going commercial, FIFA approving hydration break ads for the World Cup, and how brands and publishers should be preparing for the biggest sporting event of the year now we’re 100 days out.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we play “Long Lost Revenue” - reuniting media companies with their complicated relationships with money, Long Lost Family style, from GB News’s narrowing losses to Podbean abruptly killing dynamic ad insertion in Europe.

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Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the code MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading

]]><![CDATA[BBC Charter Response, Banijay/All3Media Merger and WBD Latest]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/bbc-charter-response-banijayall3mediahttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/bbc-charter-response-banijayall3mediaFri, 06 Mar 2026 16:45:11 GMT

The media landscape has been reshaped by two massive deals this week: All3Media and Banijay’s $8 billion super-indie merger, and Paramount Skydance’s victory over Netflix in the battle for Warner Bros Discovery. On the show, media writer Tara Conlan and consultant Omar Oakes break down what these seismic shifts mean for the industry, from debt mountains to creative consolidation.

We’re exploring the growing crisis in children’s television, where BBC Children’s Director Patricia Hidalgo warns that UK kids’ programming has declined 40% over 14 years while streamers produce barely 12 hours of British content annually. Also on the show, News Corp’s two-word strategy for tackling AI disruption, why gaming websites are firing journalists and replacing them with fake AI personas, and how an entirely AI-generated Epstein podcast rocketed to Apple’s top 10 in just ten days.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we discover that not everything is what it seems - testing whether shocking media stories about AI deception, financial planning scandals, and automated journalism are real or fake.

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Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios are offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the close MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your podcast marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

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]]><![CDATA[BAFTA Drama, AI Revolution & Streaming Wars]]>https://www.themediaclub.com/p/bafta-drama-ai-revolution-and-streaminghttps://www.themediaclub.com/p/bafta-drama-ai-revolution-and-streamingFri, 27 Feb 2026 16:06:49 GMT

This year’s BAFTAs turned into an unexpected controversy when the BBC’s editing decisions created an uncomfortable viewing experience. Talent agent Alex Segal witnessed the Tourette incident firsthand and explains on The Media Club what really happened in the room, why the atmosphere became so tense, and how Robert Arameo made history by becoming the first person to win both Rising Star and Leading Actor in the same ceremony.

We’re diving deep into the AI revolution with Clive Dickens, who’s raising $3 million for a Meliora fund investing in vertical AI startups. From why “boring” AI companies make the best investments to how Premier League Plus is testing direct-to-consumer sports streaming in Singapore, we’re covering the tech developments reshaping media. Also on the show, why Goalhanger’s Tony Pastor thinks TV commissioners have got young audiences completely wrong, and how Substack agents are becoming the next big thing in talent representation.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we play “Slate or Fake” - London TV Screenings edition, testing whether pitched shows are real commissions or Matt’s creative inventions, from Doctor Foster’s return to Big Media Boss celebrity formats.

As is always the way, the news of Netflix dropping out of the race for Warner Bros. Discovery dropped after we recorded the show - but I’m sure it’ll be a key topic for next week. What will it mean for Netflix, will their be regulatory headwinds for Paramount Skydance and will there be a CNN-CBS News merger? Tune in next Friday!

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen or watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube:

Meanwhile from our sponsors…

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score the quiz each week, and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Partners Podshop Studios is offering Media Club listeners 25% off their first studio booking - for 25% off, just go to podshoponline.co.uk and use the close MEDIACLUB.

And Podcast Discovery is here for all your marketing needs: social video production, ad campaigns, brand glow ups and more: podcastdiscovery.com

Further reading:

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