Briefed: Netflix podcasts, AI creators and Gaza ceasefire coverage
Your weekly look at what the media podcasts are covering.
This is Briefed, your weekly roundup of what other media podcasts are talking about.
We’ve had a week where the creator economy properly gatecrashed traditional TV’s party at MIPCOM, with YouTube turning up like the cool kid everyone secretly wants to be friends with. Netflix and Spotify announced they’re getting cosy with exclusive video podcast deals that’ll see The Ringer leave YouTube (cue the wailing of basketball fans), whilst the platforms’ teen safety promises unravelled faster than you can say “algorithmic harm”. Meanwhile, social media giants are apparently dying according to Richard Osman and Marina Hyde, Apple’s Eddy Cue insisted they’re in Hollywood for the long haul, and Aziz Ansari shared how he turned the Bill Murray-shaped disaster of Being Mortal into his new film Good Fortune. Plus, Chicago’s media war heated up with Governor Pritzker taking on Trump’s narrative machine.
If you missed Friday’s The Media Club, I chatted with media writer Tara Conlan about YouTube’s takeover of MIPCOM and how creators are becoming the new TV commissioners, whilst BBC Studios’ Thomas Curry joined to discuss their push into commercial podcasting and the art of seamlessly inserting ad breaks for international audiences! We also covered Channel 4’s streaming partnership with UKTV and the Daily Mail’s surprising pivot to TikTok content creation.
The Media Show (15th October)
Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall examined how journalists are covering the Gaza ceasefire, welcoming Channel 4’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy and The Independent’s Bel Trew to discuss their reporting approaches. LSE’s Professor Lee Edwards analysed media framing of recent events, whilst Semafor’s Max Tani profiled Bari Weiss’s appointment as CBS News editor-in-chief - a controversial choice given her opinion journalism background. The BBC’s Susan Hulme reflected on Today in Parliament’s 80th anniversary and its future in an increasingly polarised political landscape. (Guests: Krishnan Guru-Murthy from Channel 4, Bel Trew from The Independent, Lee Edwards from LSE, Max Tani from Semafor, Susan Hulme from BBC)
Media Confidential (13th & 16th October)
Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber delivered two episodes this week. First, they welcomed last week’s Media Club guest Jim Waterson to discuss London Centric’s remarkable success - hitting three-year targets in just four months by focusing on quality local journalism rather than doom-mongering clickbait. Waterson revealed how Lord Lebedev calling him “a prick” actually boosted subscriptions. Their second episode found Alan fresh from Israel during the Gaza ceasefire, discussing his West Bank visit with Haaretz’s Gideon Levy and how Israeli outlets covered the war. They also pondered the Pope’s unexpected stance against clickbait and reviewed The Nerve, launched by ex-Observer journalists. Plus, Lionel discovered that his new Substack follower might actually be Rupert Murdoch - or at least someone claiming to be. (Guests: Jim Waterson from London Centric)
Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch (15th October)
Roger Bolton hosted Professor Paul Dixon from the University of Leicester to discuss his provocative new book “The Militarisation of British Democracy.” Dixon argued that a “militarist coalition” has emerged in UK politics and media, using moral panics about military issues to advance their agenda. He examined specific cases like the Selly Oak hospital controversy and parades at Wootton Bassett, suggesting media coverage lacked critical analysis of whether these panics had substance. The conversation spanned conflicts from Iraq and Afghanistan to Ukraine and Northern Ireland, with Dixon challenging conventional narratives about military influence on British society. (Guests: Paul Dixon from University of Leicester)
Insiders: The TV Podcast (17th October)
Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville dissected Meghan Markle’s spin efforts around her diminished Netflix deal, wondering if that blend of “resilience and self-delusion” is exactly what every indie producer needs. They examined Sir Phil Redmond’s claim that television is once again run by an “Oxbridge gang,” lamenting the loss of regional voices and working-class perspectives in commissioning. The duo also discussed Banijay’s announcement that merely “paves the way” for The Inbetweeners’ return (translation: nothing’s actually happening), plus the death of the 9pm slot and the perils of swapping analogue pounds for digital pennies.
TellyCast (17th October)
Justin Crosby broadcast live from MIPCOM Day One, capturing the collision of traditional TV and digital-first content. Jodie Whittaker and Elizabeth Berrington discussed ITV’s hit drama Frauds making international waves, whilst Emily Atack joined Lifted Entertainment’s Richard Cowles and Nobody’s Hero creators to explore quiz-meets-reality hybrid formats. ITV Studios’ Mike Beale revealed new global formats including Celebrity Sabotage, whilst Night Train Digital’s Neil Francis discussed micro-drama partnerships. HolyWater’s team unpacked their Fox Entertainment deal and AI’s role in vertical video storytelling. Nella Rose, Specs Gonzalez, Callux and Rvbberduck talked After Party Studios, Sidemen’s Victor Bengtsson outlined the supergroup’s future, and Shaftesbury’s Jay Bennett explained how traditional producers can evolve for social video. Essential listening from Cannes. (Guests: Jodie Whittaker, Elizabeth Berrington, Emily Atack, Richard Cowles from Lifted Entertainment, Jonty Nash from Nobody’s Hero, Chris Potts from Nobody’s Hero, Mike Beale from ITV Studios, Neil Francis from Night Train Digital, Bogdan Nesvit from HolyWater, Anatolii Kasianov from HolyWater, Nella Rose, Specs Gonzalez, Callum McGinley, Ben Doyle from Rvbberduck, Victor Bengtsson from Sidemen Entertainment, Jay Bennett from Shaftesbury)
The Rest Is Entertainment (14th, 16th & 17th October)
Richard Osman and Marina Hyde produced three episodes examining entertainment’s biggest questions. First, they asked whether sexist AI slop has killed social media, with platforms haemorrhaging cash as users flee in droves. They explored the history of diss tracks from Drake vs Kendrick to Courtney Love vs everyone, before critiquing Saturday night TV offerings. Their Strictly Q&A revealed Dave Arch as possibly Britain’s most stressed man, discussed whether The Rock should worry about his latest flop, and pondered a “blind” version of The Traitors. Finally, their Celebrity Traitors review introduced the “Big Dog Theory” threatening Jonathan Ross, questioned if Stephen Fry is playing dumb, and crowned Alan Carr the ultimate villain.
The Media Odyssey (16th October)
Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet unpacked their Creator Ecosphere Map, developed with What’s Trending’s Shira Lazar. Recording post-MIPCOM, they revealed how engagement quality (EQ) matters more than follower counts - Billie Eilish drives exponentially higher engagement than Khaby Lame despite his billions of views. YouTube’s average EQ sits around 0.1%, whilst legacy brands like ESPN treat social as marketing rather than programming, reflected in their dismal metrics. The hosts explored how creator-led studios like Dropout rival Hollywood models, and why every brand needs a “rule of three” platform strategy. (Guests: Discussion of research with Shira Lazar from What’s Trending)
The Radio Academy Podcast (15th October)
Georgie Jameson celebrated the launch of RAMP 2026, the Academy’s mentoring programme for mid-career professionals. Course lead Fran Plowright explained how the scheme provides crucial space for producers and creatives to focus on their development, something often lost in the freelance hustle. The 2025 cohort shared graduation insights, with participants emphasising how RAMP rebuilt lost communities and provided perspectives beyond daily work pressures. BBC 1Xtra’s Adele Cross outlined the transparent judging process for 2026 applicants, encouraging honesty about ambitions and insecurities. (Guests: Fran Plowright, Tom Whalley from T-bone Productions, Druthy Shaw, Nick Parry, Cassandra Maria from Premiere Gospel Radio, Adele Cross from BBC)
Campaign Podcast (14th October)
Gemma Charles hosted deputy media editor Shauna Lewis, acting commissioning editor Louise Ridley and reporter Eszter Gurbicz to dissect Campaign’s Faces to Watch 2025 survey findings. The 30-strong cohort of junior talent revealed fascinating insights: over 80% are now in-office at least three days weekly (up from pandemic lows), whilst the proportion “very worried” about finances has doubled. Nearly half view AI’s rise positively, with one respondent comparing it to “a lumberjack viewing chainsaws - just another tool.” The discussion explored whether juniors missed crucial development by starting careers remotely, the demise of hierarchical structures, and why this generation embraces AI whilst focusing on diversity. (Guests: Shauna Lewis, Louise Ridley, Eszter Gurbicz from Campaign)
The Media Leader Podcast (13th October)
Jack Benjamin hosted Andy Burrows from the Molly Rose Foundation and Harriet Kingaby from the Conscious Advertising Network to discuss platforms’ failed teen safety promises. Despite Meta’s Teen Accounts fanfare, research shows ineffective protections and a “tsunami of harmful content” still reaching young users via recommendation algorithms. Burrows called efforts “performative,” revealing half of girls aged 13-17 saw high-risk self-harm or eating disorder content shortly before the Online Safety Act took effect. The discussion covered why advertisers haven’t applied business pressure despite the evidence, with Burrows stating bluntly: “This is a commercial decision, and children are paying the price.” Meta disputed the findings, claiming their tools show reduced harmful exposure. (Guests: Andy Burrows from Molly Rose Foundation, Harriet Kingaby from Conscious Advertising Network)
MediaLand (17th October)
Tim Burrowes and Vivienne Kelly examined radio’s “killing season” with former KIIS FM host Mitch Churi sharing his experience of last year’s sudden axing. They discussed Netflix and Spotify’s video podcast partnership and its implications for creators currently on YouTube. The hosts explored how teens and tech titans are planning workarounds for December’s social media age restrictions, questioning whether the legislation has any chance of working as intended. Plus, they covered the challenges of making Australian drama without major media backing, with CJZ’s Michael Cordell discussing their Robodebt drama-documentary hybrid for SBS. A sharp look at media’s hiring practices and platform power plays. (Guests: Mitch Churi, Michael Cordell from CJZ)
Podnews Weekly Review (17th October)
James Cridland and Sam Sethi dissected the Netflix-Spotify deal that’s pulling select video podcasts off YouTube, debating whether exclusivity helps or harms creators. They examined Apple’s ad-free push, shared data on actual listening patterns, and explored tools making podcasts easier to discover. The conversation covered how streaming media’s convergence makes increasing sense, plus news of podcast companies launching globally - from Melbourne’s Jetpack Media to Italy’s Sounds Great SRL. They also discussed The Shawn Ryan Show’s move to Daylight Media in a deal reportedly worth $10 million, showing the big money still chasing top podcast talent despite platform upheavals. (Guests: Discussion of industry trends)
When It Hits the Fan (15th October)
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explored Victoria Beckham’s eating disorder revelation and what it reveals about PR’s delicate balance with personal issues. They examined a Sunday Times piece questioning why her team didn’t address the problem at the time, discussing the “elephant in the room” dilemma facing publicists dealing with clients’ sensitive issues. On BBC Sounds’ extended edition, they analysed Charlotte Dujardin’s low-key return to dressage after her whipping ban, arguing she must do media eventually for sponsors to return. Plus, they discussed the Paddington legal battle after Spitting Image depicted the bear as a foul-mouthed drug user, suggesting some reputation repair work might be needed. (Guests: None)
On the Media (15th & 17th October)
Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger presented two episodes examining information warfare. David Remnick joined to analyse how the two-state solution ended in disaster, featuring insights from negotiators Hussein Agha and Robert Malley on decades of failed Middle East peace efforts. They explored intense Israeli media focus on hostages versus minimal coverage of Palestinian suffering. The second episode investigated Big Tech silencing ICE watchers, with 404 Media’s Joseph Cox revealing how platforms remove immigration enforcement monitoring. Plus, a discussion on why an antifa scholar fled the country and true crime’s real-world impact. Powerful reporting on surveillance, censorship and conflict coverage. (Guests: David Remnick, Joseph Cox from 404 Media)
Mixed Signals from Semafor Media (17th October)
Ben Smith and Max Tani welcomed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to discuss Chicago’s information war with Trump’s White House. Pritzker explained how conservative media’s ICE raid coverage literally shapes ground operations, with enforcement teams following Fox News narratives. He emphasised local media’s vital role in truth-telling, whilst the hosts explored whether Democrats have ceded the new media landscape to Republicans. The conversation covered Pritzker’s approach versus Gavin Newsom’s trolling tactics, plus thoughts on the Bears’ prospects. A fascinating window into how political communication works when traditional media gatekeepers have lost control. (Guests: JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois)
Channels with Peter Kafka (15th October)
Peter Kafka hosted Ed Zitron, the PR firm owner turned AI sceptic who’s building a career from tearing apart tech’s biggest narratives. Zitron explained why he believes the AI boom is actually a bust, questioning whether the economics make sense even as boosters promise inevitability. He discussed how media keeps falling for big tech’s favourite stories and what happens if the AI party ends early. Kafka noted he wrote his intro with ChatGPT assistance “mostly so I can imagine Zitron fuming when he reads this.” (Guests: Ed Zitron)
Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino (17th October)
Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino reported on Pentagon journalists walking out after Pete Hegseth’s team demanded loyalty pledges, effectively banning press from one of America’s most powerful buildings. They covered NBC laying off 150 staff whilst gutting diversity reporting teams as MSNBC and CNBC spin off. The Manosphere fracture emerged as Joe Rogan, Tim Dillon and others criticised Trump’s ICE raids as cruel - are the podcasters who helped Trump win turning on the right? Plus analysis of Trump melting down over his Time cover, Zohran Mamdani speaking directly to Trump during Fox appearances ahead of NYC’s mayoral debate, and Olivia Nuzzi’s Vanity Fair return with renewed RFK Jr controversy.
The Grill Room (14th & 17th October)
Dylan Byers and Julia Alexander first hosted TBPN’s John Coogan and Jordi Hays, who explained how they scaled their tech news livestream from weekly episodes to a five-day operation pulling $5 million in ad revenue. They’ve captivated Silicon Valley and Wall Street by being “insidery but not-too-serious,” with traditional outlets watching enviously from the sidelines. The hosts’ second episode covered Netflix’s watershed Spotify podcast deal, USC research showing 80% of viewers prefer athlete-owned media’s casual style, and Gerry Cardinale’s unexpected traditional media investments. Plus layoffs looming at NBC and CBS News. (Guests: John Coogan and Jordi Hays from TBPN)
The Town with Matthew Belloni (13th, 14th & 16th October)
Matt Belloni delivered three episodes exploring Hollywood’s shifting landscape. Live from Bloomberg’s Screentime event, he and Lucas Shaw played “buy or sell” on entertainment entities: sell The Rock and Sora 2 panic, buy Glen Powell and Louis C.K.’s touring model. Apple’s Eddy Cue revealed the streamer’s true intentions, discussing momentum after Severance and F1, commitment to theatrical releases, and whether they’d acquire a studio (spoiler: probably not). Finally, Fable CEO Edward Saatchi explained his “Netflix of AI” app allowing users to create licensed versions of favourite shows, promising proper artist payment and guardrails. (Guests: Lucas Shaw from Bloomberg, Eddy Cue from Apple, Edward Saatchi from Fable)
The Business (17th October)
Kim Masters interviewed Aziz Ansari about Good Fortune, his directorial debut rising from the ashes of Being Mortal’s shutdown following Bill Murray misconduct complaints. Ansari explained how he regrouped with Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer, adding Keanu Reeves despite an on-set injury. He addressed his controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival appearance amidst discussion of Saudi money in Hollywood, as producer Erik Feig raised $1 billion for SNK Studios with backing from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Masters and co-host Matt Belloni examined the ethics of accepting funding from regimes with human rights concerns - does Hollywood need the money that badly? (Guests: Aziz Ansari)
The Ankler Podcast (16th October)
Elaine Low, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey explored reality TV’s revenge as unscripted programming dominates viewing. Love Island USA’s billions of weekly minutes prove the format’s power, whilst shows leverage social media in ways scripted TV can’t match. They discussed SAG-AFTRA’s new microdrama contract for vertical content, clarifying what it means for creators. Plus, Matthew Frank previewed his 50-theatre cross-country Crowd Pleaser tour. The team argued reality TV’s self-sustaining moment outpaces scripted programming’s struggles, with participants becoming influencers who drive further engagement. Unscripted’s victory lap continues. (Guests: Matthew Frank)
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.