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:

• UK publishers win opt-out from Google AI Overviews

• Netflix UK on Love Is Blind welfare and new commissioning priorities

• Jon Petrie exits BBC Comedy for Hat Trick

• YouTube overtakes Netflix in average daily viewing around the world

• White House Correspondents' Dinner rescheduled

• KSI leaves the Sidemen after 13 years

• Lisa Nandy admits government got it wrong on AI copyright

• Bauer Media Audio UK named Campaign Top 5 Best Places to Work

• OpenAI confirms no ad revenue share with publishers

Subscribe now

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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

• Axel Springer to acquire Telegraph Media Group for £575m

• Banijay and All3Media merge in $8bn deal

• Elis James and John Robins podcast goes commercial under BBC Audio Release Policy

• FIFA to allow World Cup hydration break ads for broadcasters

• GB News losses narrow to £22m as revenue jumps 58%

• Podimo hires ex-Netflix, BBC and Disney execs in video push

• PodBean switches off dynamic ad insertion in Europe

• Junk food ad ban criticised as ineffective by health experts

• Mail on Sunday staff take the stand in Harry case

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.

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 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

Further reading:

• All3Media and Banijay to merge

• ITV deal still in contention for Banijay too

• Paramount beats Netflix for Warner Bros -

• Newscorp’s AI strategy: Woo & Sue

• BBC’s Charter Renewal Strategy

• WPP’s Advertising Intelligence Framework report

• Reach Digital Revenue Down

• Kyle & Jackie O’s $100m contract terminated

• Lovejoy To Get A Reboot

• Telegraph Censured Over Fictional Family

• Journalists Replaced By Misleading AI writers

• Epstein Podcast is made entirely by AI

Subscribe now

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:

• BAFTA’s Tourette Incident Derails Awards Celebrations - and Alex’s take

• Streamers to come under Ofcom’s jurisdiction

• Goalhanger chief says TV commissioners giving up on young audiences

• BBC Studios eyeing acquisitions,

• Acast says it’s conscious of ad load

• Paramount raises WBD bid to $31 a share

• ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at London Screenings

• Doctor Foster returns for final series with Suranne Jones

• Former Mail on Sunday editor gives evidence in Harry phone-hacking trial

• Variety’s Picks Of The Week

• Police media guidelines updated

Subscribe now

So, Apple Podcasts has finally joined the video revolution with a considered approach that puts creators first - but has the cavalry arrived fashionably late to the party? Daily Mail’s Jamie East explains what Apple’s HLS video format means for podcasters and why their advertising-friendly approach beats Spotify’s rollout.

We’re covering whether Sky’s pursuit of ITV still has legs after months of will-they-won’t-they speculation, why The 1% Club is quietly conquering global television markets, plus Heather Fallon has all the gossip from this year’s Broadcast Awards.

Also on the show, Prince Andrew’s arrest sending newspaper editors scrambling from half-term holidays, why opening up iPlayer to rival broadcasters makes sense, and how subscription models are becoming the future for quality journalism.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we wage war on the media landscape - testing our guests’ knowledge of industry battles through military-style dispatches.

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen and watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube:

Introductions:

Main show:

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:

• Apple Podcasts embraces video (Matt’s blog post)

• SKY-ITV talks reportedly slowing

• 1% Club reaches new sales heights

• Broadcast Award winners

• Nandy Launches CMA Probe Into Telegraph Deal

• 26% of UK Now Listen to Podcasts Weekly (RAJAR MIDAS)

• WBD Gives Paramount Seven Days to Make Best Offer

• Mill Media expands to Leeds

• BBC Considers Opening Up iPlayer

• Channel 4 Brings YT Comedy Channel to Spotify

Subscribe now

Tim Davie has sent the government an ultimatum - BBC World Service funding runs out in seven weeks and drastic action is needed. Former Radio Academy CEO Paul Robinson explains what’s truly at stake for Britain’s global broadcasting reach and why this crisis has been building for years.

We’re also covering Will Lewis’s abrupt exit from the Washington Post (after slashing nearly a third of its staff), Disney striking a multi-year deal with Sky that could reshape UK streaming, and why HBO Max has finally announced its UK launch date for March.

Also on the show, the Today Programme editor’s resignation, Louis Theroux launching Mindhouse Studios, and why PG Tips sponsoring Ken Bruce’s Popmaster feels like the most British thing ever.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we enter the world of dating shows - testing our guests’ knowledge of romance reality TV, from first dates to love islands and everything in between.

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen or watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube:

Introductions:

Main Show:

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:

• Tim Davie sends Govt a World Service ultimatum

• Will Lewis abruptly exits Washington Post

• Carole Cadwalladr’s message to departing WashPost staff

• Disney and Sky strike multi-year deal

• Owenna Griffiths resigns as Today Programme editor

• HBO Max UK launch date announced

• PG Tips sponsors Popmaster

• Supercast acquired by Red Seat Ventures

• New in-car campaign for European radio groups

• Zai Bennett’s Deadline interview

• Channel 4’s Golden Age of BAME Programming

• Louis Theroux launches Mindhouse Studios

• Global launches Up To Speed F1 podcast

• Goalhanger launches The Book Club

Subscribe now

The Media Club heads to Glasgow to explore how Scottish media is meeting the challenge of fragmentation. We’re joined by STV’s Bobby Hain on their audience strategy, Graham Bryce on launching STV Radio (Scotland’s first national commercial station), and Paul Sheehan from STV Studios on navigating the commissioning slowdown whilst doubling revenue targets.

We’re covering this quarter’s RAJAR results with Adam Bowie - who’s up, who’s down, and whether radio listening hours are slowly slipping below the 20 hours-per-week mark. Thanks to radio experts - a sound perspective - for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Also on the show, the BBC are planning another 6 Music spin-off station, how Scottish indies like Specky Productions and The Development Network are adapting to changing markets, and why the Time Team reboot proves legacy IP can thrive in the digital age.

Plus in the Media Quiz, we play “Media Master” - testing knowledge of the week’s media stories in Ken Bruce style, from Mark Thompson’s BBC approach to significant new podcast networks.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen or watch on Spotify:

Watch on YouTube

Part 1: STV and STV Radio

Also watch Part 2 (Scottish Indies) and Part 3 (RAJAR).

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:

• Washington Post announces mass layoffs

• Matt’s take on the Q4 Rajars - and Adam’s take

• Saturday Night Live cast announced

• Scottish Podcast Awards launch

• Mark Thompson buttonholed

• The Grand Tour Reboots

• Significant Productions Launched

• ITV Announce In-Game Ads For Six Nations

Subscribe now

This week in the media, we’ve had Prince Harry facing off against the Daily Mail in high-stakes court drama, Netflix earnings revealing engagement growth essentially flat despite subscriber wins, and the BBC striking landmark deals with YouTube to produce bespoke content for the platform. Plus Hearst UK implementing AI amnesty programmes for staff training, Google officially surpassing Apple in annual revenue, and Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram statement against his parents dominating entertainment coverage.

If you missed Friday’s The Media Club, I discussed the Prince Harry’s high-stakes court battle against the Daily Mail with TV critic Rhianna Dhillon and Steven D Wright, examining how both sides bring robust arguments that could make this one particularly messy. We also explored the BBC’s landmark deal with YouTube to produce bespoke content for the platform and what it means for your feed, plus Channel 4’s commercial pivot with their first in-house production chief appointment, the government’s continued interference in the Telegraph deal, and we tackled the gossip columnists in our Audio Network quiz. Have a listen (or watch).

Part 1:

Part 2:

The Media Show (21st January)

Katie Razzall examined how international media are reporting rising tensions between the US and Europe over Greenland, featuring insights from Danish political analyst Elisabet Svane at Politiken and Washington Post White House reporter Michael Birnbaum. Former BBC World Service head Jamie Angus argued that the BBC should move faster into unblockable technologies to reach people in repressive regimes, particularly as Iran has been restricting internet access for nearly two weeks. The show also explored Australia’s under-16s social media ban one month on, with Bronte Gossling from the Sydney Morning Herald reporting mixed results as the UK considers similar moves. They unpacked the media storm surrounding Brooklyn Beckham’s bombshell Instagram post about his family’s relationship with traditional media, questioning whether celebrities still need newspapers when they control their narrative through social platforms.

Listen

Media Confidential (19th & 22nd January)

Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber welcomed Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and author of “The Seven Rules of Trust,” discussing how the online encyclopaedia has evolved to handle new digital challenges like bots and AI. After Elon Musk branded the site “Wokepedia” and launched Grokipedia as a competitor, they explored regulation and how to address threats from the far-right whilst rebuilding trust in an age of disinformation. They also spoke to media researchers Georgina Bourne and Justin Lewis from the British Academy, whose new report on public service media examines what the data really says about BBC reform. They discussed ensuring the broadcaster’s independence and accountability, international lessons from Germany and Scandinavia, and how to future-proof against Nigel Farage’s promises to abolish the licence fee.

Listen

Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch (22nd January)

Roger Bolton interviewed Professor Lee Edwards from the London School of Economics and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition about the government’s green paper on the BBC’s future. Edwards argued the consultation represents a “blueprint for permanent decline,” examining proposed funding changes including a possible household levy, principles of universality and public service, and questions about government involvement in BBC governance. The discussion covered balancing public purpose with commercial pressures, the BBC’s role in local media, ideas for public engagement and accountability, and funding for the BBC World Service. Edwards provided practical advice on how listeners can respond to the consultation and join the wider debate about the corporation’s future.

Listen

Insiders: The TV Podcast (23rd January)

Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville explored Mediawan’s potential acquisition of North Road, examining the broader risks of buying creative companies built around individual talent. They discussed the BBC’s decision to commission bespoke content for YouTube, though got confused about the economics and what that signals about platform strategy, public service broadcasting, and where audiences are really heading. The conversation also covered Amol Rajan’s decision to step away from Radio 4’s Today programme, prompting wider discussion about control, reach, lifestyle, and whether you should ever “quit the hit.” Plus tales of attempts to buy BBC Three for £1 and an inability to use streaming services. I’m also sure that not knowing that C4’s streaming isn’t called All 4 or that it offers a paid ad-free version is perfectly fine for two people who run major TV production companies.

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TellyCast (22nd January)

Justin Crosby spoke to Samantha Sun from ReelForce to unpack how micro drama really works – the fastest-growing scripted format in global digital video that UK producers are only beginning to understand. Sun shared her journey from early Chinese-backed micro drama platforms to producing some of the biggest-budget vertical dramas made in the UK, explaining how vertical, app-based scripted series operate commercially. The conversation covered the scale, speed and commercial potential of micro drama, how content discovery works through social media advertising, and the business models driving this new scripted economy.

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The Rest Is Entertainment (20th, 22nd & 23rd January)

Richard Osman and Marina Hyde looked at Kevin Spacey’s claim of “life-threatening sex addiction” in his $80 million insurance dispute for House of Cards, the return of K-pop superstars BTS and what makes them different from American bands, and whether writers make good Traitors contestants. Marina delivered a special take on Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram statement against his parents, detailing the dire tirade about being controlled and commercially exploited by the Beckham family brand. They also looked at the secret PR war over Graham Norton’s sofa seating arrangements, examined whether the Salt Path scandal has actually changed publishing, and questioned if the Marty Supreme marketing campaign represents the greatest film promotion of all time.

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The Media Odyssey (21st & 22nd January)

Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet looked at major media milestones. First, they provided a live earnings breakdown of Netflix’s latest quarterly results, separating headline wins from structural concerns. While revenue, profit, and subscriber figures beat expectations, deeper engagement metrics told a more cautious story, with total viewing reaching 191 billion hours annually but only up 1 billion hours half-over-half. They also looked at Google officially surpassing Apple in scale and HBO Max’s long-awaited European launch, explaining why both moments matter for platform economics, global strategy, and competitive positioning in an increasingly crowded and expensive market.

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Campaign Podcast (20th & 22nd January)

Campaign’s journalists who attended the Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing at The National Gallery discussed what industry leaders predict for 2026. Martin Beverley from Ace of Hearts spoke about the importance of joy, whilst Netflix’s Ed Couchman said 2026 will be the year of fandom as consumers want more from brands. They also aired a leadership panel with CEO Dan Clays from Omnicom Media EMEA, Katie Mackay-Sinclair from Mother, and Magnus Djaba from Publicis Groupe discussing AI’s impact, structural agency shifts, and caring for people during times of change.

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The Media Leader Podcast (19th January)

Jack Benjamin interviewed Martin Wooley from What’s Possible Group and Paul Phelps from AMS Media Group, co-founders of the Alliance of Media Independents (AMI). The initiative launched a year ago to share knowledge and support independent media agencies, growing to over 30 members with combined billings rivalling global holding groups. They discussed why the alliance was founded, benefits delivered to members, expansion plans, and why independents might benefit from the consolidating agency landscape. Wooley noted that half the pitches in their business are now indie-only, suggesting something fundamental has changed in the market.

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The Media Voices Podcast (19th & 26th January)

Peter Rustin presented episodes from the Definitive AI Forum for Media. The first featured a panel discussion on how AI is reshaping B2B data and information companies, with leaders from LexisNexis, Lions Intelligence, Global Water Intelligence, and William Reed discussing approaches to partnering and licensing content to AI companies whilst protecting IP and value. The second episode showcased Toby Wiseman, MD for Content at Hearst UK, discussing what AI means to magazine publishers, including staff training through an “AI amnesty,” regular sessions, and crafting AI policies while maintaining that AI should be invisible and never replace human creation.

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The Radio Academy Podcast (21st January)

Georgie Jameson concluded their Meet the Experts series focusing on Production Companies. The episode featured industry leaders Paul Fearnley from Audio Always, Rachel Barton from We Are Grape, Rachel Simpson from Spotify, Rebecca Maxted from Blanchard House, and Steve Rajam from Overcoat Media sharing insights and advice on having a lasting career in radio and audio production. They discussed the evolving landscape of audio content creation, business development strategies, and the skills needed to succeed in the production company ecosystem.

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Podnews Weekly Review (23rd January)

James Cridland and Sam Sethi examined whether subscriptions are outpacing advertising revenue, unpacking Goalhanger’s subscription economics which show £20 million gained from premium memberships versus £2 million lost in ad revenue. They discussed the money and mechanics behind paid memberships, how platforms are reshaping podcast reach, and why quality and openness still matter. The hosts explored YouTube’s AI stance versus tool rollout, the BBC’s YouTube content strategy, and shared exclusive industry insights including major changes in podcast measurement and discovery systems.

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When It Hits the Fan (21st January)

David Yelland welcomed Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty from the BBC podcast Fame Under Fire to examine how public opinion is really being shaped in dubious corners of the internet. They explored the trial of rapper Diddy, explaining how he may have actually benefited from wild social media accusations portraying him as the Devil, allowing his PR team to capitalise on the fact that prosecution evidence seemed tame by comparison. The extended edition examined how the PR world might learn from Candace Owens’ methods – however unpalatable – as she influences millions through her “personal PR powerhouse” approach of turning content into multiple revenue streams.

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Mixed Signals from Semafor Media (23rd January)

Ben Smith and Max Tani interviewed Stephen Dubner, co-creator of Freakonomics and host of one of podcasting’s most enduring shows. Dubner discussed why he never sold to Spotify, how The New York Times shifted from telling readers things to telling them what to think, and his new self-funded TV experiment that’s “like laundering podcast money.” He explained how he accidentally got sucked into the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni gossip vortex, made the case for prediction markets over pundits, and revealed why he’s considering buying a pizza place with a Michelin-starred chef who hated his soup. The conversation covered the real reason insider trading bans are absurd and why long-form podcasting isn’t dead yet.

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Channels with Peter Kafka (21st January)

Peter Kafka interviewed Chuck Klosterman about his new book “Football” and what the sport’s dominance reveals about American media and culture. Klosterman explained why (American) football is a “completely mediated” experience designed for television viewing, how video games helped rewire fan understanding, and how gambling created a “fake game” sitting on top of the real one. They discussed why the concussion panic faded despite continued hits, football’s role as the biggest show on TV, and why it’s basically the only reason some networks exist. The conversation examined whether this cultural dominance will continue forever.

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The Grill Room (20th & 23rd January)

Dylan and Julia spoke to co-founders Justin Smith and Ben Smith to discuss their recent $30 million financing at a $330 million post-money valuation, addressing industry scepticism and justifying the mathematics behind their events-driven media model. They rejected characterisation as purely events-focused whilst acknowledging the integrated business approach. They also broke down Netflix’s earnings and Ted Sarandos’s candid take on television’s state, plus Neal Mohan’s annual letter outlining YouTube’s AI-shaped future, examining the challenge of capturing attention in an oversaturated media ecosystem.

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The Town with Matthew Belloni (21st January)

Matt Belloni interviewed Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, discussing the last year in Park City, the decision to leave Utah, and expectations for Boulder, Colorado. They shared favourite stories from years of festival attendance and examined what the move means for independent film culture. Hernandez explained the practical and cultural reasons behind relocating one of cinema’s most important festivals, plus the challenges of maintaining Sundance’s identity whilst adapting to new locations and industry realities.

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On the Media (21st & 24th January)

Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger provided an extended analysis of Trump’s war on the Federal Reserve, featuring economist Mark Blyth explaining why central bank independence matters and the dangers of political interference. They also explored Trump’s plans and ICE’s recruitment drive, examining surveillance technology including the mobile Fortify app that scans faces and overrides birth certificates. They revealed how ICE launched a full-throttle recruitment campaign using methods similar to selling consumer products whilst carrying out mass deportation policies.

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The Business (23rd January)

Kim Masters interviewed former Viacom CEO and MTV co-founder Tom Freston about his memoir “Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu.” Freston reflected on his vagabond youth, the birth of MTV, and years working under billionaire mogul Sumner Redstone, sharing career highlights from shaping modern media. He weighed in on the Warner Bros succession fight, arguing that Netflix may be the legacy studio’s best-fit suitor. The conversation covered cable television’s wild west years and the challenges of building MTV during the industry’s formative period.

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The Ankler Podcast (22nd January)

Elaine Low, Sean McNulty, and Natalie Jarvey explored what “Heated Rivalry” reveals about minting new stars amid the collapse of monoculture and rise of social media. They predicted 2026’s top stars, shared behind-the-scenes insights from casting directors on finding Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie plus that pivotal chemistry test, and explained how Snap is building success paths for creators. The discussion covered the latest WBD-Netflix merger saga with all-cash offers and Matthew Frank’s update on Netflix earnings calls and talk-show prediction market bets.

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Spot any media podcasts we’ve missed? Reply and let us know! And if you haven’t already, subscribe to The Media Club on your favourite podcast app or catch us on YouTube. Got this forwarded to you? Then subscribe…

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This week the Semafor bosses have been doing the rounds talking about their $30m raise and valuation. There’s been more WBD chat, Prince Harry’s legal challenge of the Daily and Mail as well as general Trump machinations (as always).

If you missed Friday’s The Media Club, my guests were broadcaster Alex Zane and Conrad Withey, Chief Commercial Officer at Goalhanger. Conrad gave us an exclusive - that they had hit 250,000 paying members of their clubs. We also chatted about their business model and how the hosts’ share works too. Watch the full interview below:

The Media Show (14th January)

Katie Razzall and guests explored Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok facing investigation under the Online Safety Act for generating non-consensual images, with Ofcom launching a probe and the UK government preparing new laws to ban ‘nudification’ tools. The show featured Chi Onwurah MP and CNN’s Hadas Gold examining what this means for tech regulation. They also discussed how Iran’s recent protests sparked debate about international media coverage, speaking with BBC Persian’s Behrang Tajdin, Lyse Doucet, and Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat about reporting challenges. Plus, Phil Maguire from the Prison Radio Association reflected on building the world’s first national radio station for prisoners, and Liza Marshall, producer of the new film Hamnet, revealed how she secured the rights early before Maggie O’Farrell’s novel became a global sensation.

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Media Confidential (15th January)

Lionel Barber dialled in from a cycling trip in South Africa whilst Alan Rusbridger reviewed Liz Truss’s recently launched YouTube channel, which appears rife with conspiracy theories. The pair discussed the rise of social media politics and examined the UK’s stance on online safety as Starmer suggested X could lose the right to self-regulate. They shared concerns about the potential sale of the Telegraph to the Daily Mail group, questioning whether the merger of broadsheet and tabloid values can ever work successfully. The hosts explored the ongoing tussle with tech giants and whether the government should go head-to-head with Elon Musk on platform regulation.

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Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch (14th January)

Roger Bolton welcomed Sir Max Hastings, historian and former editor of the Daily Telegraph and London Evening Standard, for a candid discussion about Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC and the roots of hostility toward the broadcaster. Hastings examined the impact of ongoing financial cuts and what the BBC should prioritise, exploring editorial challenges, leadership dilemmas, and the vital role of the World Service. The conversation covered media coverage of the Middle East and the future of public service journalism, with Hastings offering forthright reflections on where British media must go next. He revealed he’s been prevented from writing about Gaza by several major British newspapers because his views would be unacceptable. (Guests: Sir Max Hastings)

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Insiders: The TV Podcast (16th January)

Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville examined the potential Banijay–All3Media mega-merger and unpacked why “independent TV” may soon exist in name only. They challenged headline claims that YouTube has overtaken the BBC, interrogating what those numbers really mean and questioning who actually pays for content in a platform-first world. The discussion covered Netflix’s all-cash play for Warner Bros and the fragile future of broadcast news, examining the economics of Sky News and Channel 4 and what happens to impartial journalism when linear television fades. They also provided an update on Trump versus the BBC, with the broadcaster set to stand firm in Florida.

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TellyCast (15th January)

Justin Crosby chatted with Steve Ackerman, one of the UK’s leading audio executives and former EVP and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music. Ackerman discussed three decades of shaping audio, from starting in hospital radio to building Somethin’ Else into a major content studio before its acquisition by Sony. He explained why audio and video now need to work together, why podcasting is still early in its maturity cycle, how revenue models are evolving, and what traditional TV producers can learn from the creator economy. The conversation covered the new podcast economy and the convergence of traditional and digital content creation.

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The Rest Is Entertainment (13th & 15th January)

Richard Osman and Marina Hyde assessed upcoming TV and film releases for 2026, debating which will hit and which will flop in rescuing the box office. They examined Ashley Tisdale’s drama-filled celebrity WhatsApp group controversy and assessed The Traitors at its halfway point, questioning if the show can get any madder with its increasingly unhinged contestants. Their second episode explored the concept of “Heated Rivalry” and why everyone’s talking about it, plus they tackled how screenwriters check they haven’t penned sci-fi faux pas and identified the hardest working actor in Hollywood.

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The Media Odyssey (15th January)

Evan Shapiro and Alan Wolk, Co-Founder and Lead Analyst of TVREV, recorded their show from CES to unpack what this year’s show revealed about the future of media beyond the hype of AI demos and hardware announcements. The conversation centred on power shifts: who owns how we get information, who controls discovery, and which companies are positioning themselves as new gatekeepers. Wolk predicted media is entering a prolonged era of “feudal fragmentation” with thousands of disconnected content bubbles, marking the end of monoculture and shared cultural moments. They explored how traditional experts are losing power whilst creator-led studios emerge globally, and why sports remains the last true monoculture.

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The Radio Academy Podcast (14th January)

Georgie Jameson presented another in their Meet the Experts series, focusing on Speech Audio. The episode featured Managing Editor of BBC Radio 5 Live Julie Cullen, Programme Director at Times Radio Tim Levell, Commissioning Editor for BBC Radio 4 Julia McKenzie, Head of Radio at RNIB Yvonne Milne, and Global Content Partnerships Director at Acast Sophie Herdman. The experts shared insights and advice on having a lasting career in radio and audio, discussing the evolving landscape of speech content and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. They emphasised the growing importance of video and social media skills alongside traditional audio expertise.

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The Media Leader Podcast (12th January)

Justin Lebbon moderated a panel featuring three key brand marketers discussing how they view TV’s strengths compared to other audio-visual platforms. Richard Brooke, global media trading and operations director at Unilever, Sorin Patilinet, global marketing effectiveness lead at PepsiCo, and Alison Keith, formerly head of global marketing effectiveness at Kraft Heinz, explored what brands want from television and where it sits in marketing strategies versus other video platforms. They unpacked whether TV is still “cool,” if YouTube qualifies as TV, and why Unilever increased its spend on social media platforms. The conversation examined ad investment consolidation in Big Tech platforms and whether independent measurement still matters.

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The Future of Media, Explained (15th January)

Dominic Ponsford examined Prince Harry’s privacy battle against the Daily Mail in what’s set to be one of Britain’s biggest ever privacy trials, with costs for both sides potentially topping £40 million. Harry has accused the Mail of commissioning burglary, phone tapping, and voicemail interception, whilst the Mail denies everything and accuses Prince Harry’s legal team of using cash payments to witnesses. Ponsford traced back to the News of the World front page in 2008 that started the war on UK tabloids and explained the questionable evidence-gathering tactics the Daily Mail believes undermine Harry’s case. He discussed why Elton John’s backing means this final legal battle is set to go the distance.

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Podnews Weekly Review (16th January)

James Cridland and Sam Sethi tackled the year’s early developments, examining iHeartRadio’s addition of OpenRSS video and alternate enclosures alongside Netflix’s exclusivity versus open distribution trade-offs. They discussed Deloitte’s $5 billion forecast and attention data contradictions, plus Spotify’s dynamic video sponsorships and platform fees. The hosts explored Netflix’s deals with companies like iHeart Media for exclusive video partnerships, questioning whether these short-form strategies will succeed where others have failed. Greg Glenday from Acast joined to discuss the platform’s creator-first approach whilst the hosts examined whether twelve months from now, Netflix will abandon this strategy entirely.

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When It Hits the Fan (14th January)

David Yelland and Simon Lewis examined how the discussion around weight-loss injections is subtly shifting as new research suggests that once you come off them, you put weight back on faster than traditional methods. The findings dominated news agendas, leading them to question whether the PR worm is turning on these “fat jabs.” They explored what happens when a product leaves ordinary business and becomes something talked about by everyone, emphasising the importance of looking far enough down the track to see potential pitfalls. The extended edition covered how big oil firms are dealing with President Trump and why big tech has much to learn from oil companies’ communications strategies.

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Mixed Signals from Semafor Media (15th & 16th January)

Ben Smith and Max Tani produced two episodes this week. First, they interviewed their boss Semafor CEO Justin Smith for a candid discussion about why the digital media company raised $30 million late last year and how it reached profitability in just three years. Justin and Ben reflected on lessons from earlier eras of digital media and the triumphs and mistakes Semafor made, discussing the company’s $330 million valuation and planned investments in the Gulf and East Asia. Their second episode featured Sarah Rogers, the State Department’s undersecretary for public diplomacy, discussing free speech, tech regulation, and her confrontations with European governments over X and the Digital Services Act. Rogers traced her worldview back to early internet culture and Gawker comment sections, explaining why she sees today’s speech rules as potentially dangerous.

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Channels with Peter Kafka (14th January)

Peter Kafka interviewed Justin Smith, CEO of Semafor, about how the news startup figured out how to turn a profit in their third year. Smith explained that whilst excellent journalism helps, the company’s success comes from focusing on events, particularly in Washington D.C., where companies pay significant money to reach influential audiences. Kafka explored whether the Semafor playbook can adapt to media companies not oriented around the C-Suite/K Street set, examining the broader lessons for digital media success beyond the Washington insider market.

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Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino (16th January)

Oliver Darcy and Natalie Korak examined Tony Dokoupil’s challenging first week of CBS Evening News ratings following his controversial interview with Donald Trump, suggesting Bari Weiss’ influence on the network might be backfiring. They discussed Joe Rogan breaking with Trump over ICE, comparing the agency to “the Gestapo,” whilst Laura Ingraham took a different approach, working to convince Fox News viewers that an “insurgency” is unfolding in Minnesota. The episode also covered the alarming FBI raid on a Washington Post journalist’s home, with Jeff Bezos remaining silent in defence of his newsroom, causing anger among staffers.

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The Grill Room (13th & 16th January)

Dylan and Julia welcomed Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios, for hot takes on the industry’s biggest challenges including the media’s trust deficit, the imperative to serve hyper-targeted audiences, and how AI is writing journalism’s next chapter. VandeHei predicted a potential golden age for quality reporting provided publishers embrace AI, whilst delivering characteristically blunt assessments of The Washington Post and CBS News. Their second episode examined the controversy surrounding CBS News’ “Whiskey Fridays” with Tony Dokoupil after a set featuring a Jack Daniel’s logo leaked online, sparking debate about corporate sponsorships and journalistic integrity versus viable lifelines for a declining news industry.

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The Town with Matthew Belloni (12th & 15th January)

Matt Belloni was joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to react to Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, including cringiest corporate moments and studios that overperformed, then they discussed Paramount filing a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery seeking more merger information and planning a proxy fight. His second episode featured Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, discussing upcoming negotiations with the AMPTP and the possibility of another strike. They covered what actors want in their new agreement, the state of AI disruptions, and why SAG-AFTRA is starting negotiations before other guilds.

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On the Media (14th & 17th January)

Brooke Gladstone explored “Trump’s War on the Fed” and the investigation into Federal Reserve chairman, analysing the administration’s approach to the supposedly independent institution. She also looked at coverage of Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, examining his plan to reshape federal agencies and his setback in attempts to defund the consumer financial protection bureau. The shows highlighted ongoing tensions between political power and institutional independence.

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The Ankler Podcast (15th January)

Elaine Low, Sean McNulty, and Natalie Jarvey examined the outrage surrounding prediction market Polymarket’s integration into the Golden Globes telecast, with critics calling it “incredibly tacky” and a “cash grab.” They traced the history of entertainment gamification and explored whether betting represents the next frontier of interactive TV, following years of harmless live-voting on shows like American Idol. The hosts analysed the money now pouring into interactive entertainment, including Amazon and FanDuel’s NBA deal, questioning whether this marks a fundamental shift in how audiences engage with television content.

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Spot any media podcasts we’ve missed? Reply and let us know! And if you haven’t already, subscribe to The Media Club on your favourite podcast app or catch us on YouTube. Got this forwarded to you? Then subscribe…

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Goalhanger hit a major milestone this week, passing 250,000 paying podcast subscribers, and we speak exclusively to chief commercial officer Conrad Withey about how memberships, talent deals and fandom are reshaping the audio business. From £6-a-month clubs to Netflix partnerships, he explains to The Media Club why podcasts are starting to look a lot more like entertainment brands.

Broadcaster Alex Zane is with us to unpack why Banijay and All3Media are in merger talks, what that means for producers pitching shows, and whether ITV is at risk of being left out in the cold as the era of the super-indie accelerates. Plus, Google faces tough questions over using “free” content to train AI, and why publishers are nervous about AI Overviews swallowing their audiences.

Also on the show, Stephen Graham lands a first-look deal with Disney+, Kathy Newman leaves Channel 4 for Sky News, and Amol Rajan quits the Today programme to strike out as a creator in his own right.

And in the Audio Network Media Quiz, Grand Designers, we look at self-built media empires.

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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 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.

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Further reading:

• Banijay and All3Media in merger talks

• Google believes it shouldn’t pay for non-paywalled content

• Stephen Graham’s prodco signs first look deal with Disney+

• Cathy Newman jumps ship to Sky News

• Interesting tie up between Global and ITV for a new lottery

• Mock The Week & Dara O’Brien return on TLC

• YouTube joins Barb - and upends the charts

• GB News Consistently Beats BBC & Sky News in ratings

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