The Media Club with Matt Deegan

Epizodes

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  Is The BBC In Jeopardy? Plus: Zeteo UK soft launch 17.07.2026 43min

  The 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. Shehab Khan 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.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.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 https://audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.ukBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:BBC Annual Report: licence payers fall fastest in yearsNandy floats a streaming levy for BBC fundingZeteo UK unveiled with Shehab Khan as political editorClaude's 'liquid content' a serious challenge for news mediaBanijay and All3Media complete $8bn mergerEdinburgh TV Festival's last schedule before Manchester moveBBC's highest paid journosIain Dale's memoir Have I Said Too Much? published Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Mail's Big Win, Sky's Bigger Buy 10.07.2026 52min

  A 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.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 https://audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Prince Harry loses privacy case against the Daily MailPaul Dacre's reaction to the verdictSky agrees £1.6bn takeover of ITV's broadcasting armWhat the Sky/ITV deal means for ITV NewsIs ITV Studios next in line for a takeover?Axel Springer promises AI transformation at TelegraphEngland's World Cup win breaks BBC viewing recordsLudwig recommissioned for series threeMatt Brittin to make Edinburgh TV Festival debutBBC told to review acquisitions after Scooby-Doo criticismBluey gets its first audiobook collectionChannel 4 orders Taskmaster family spin-off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Sky Commits To Coronation Street; Radio 4 Commits To TikTok 02.07.2026 39min

  Sky 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.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter athttps://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Sky's £2bn Pledge As It Preps ITV TakeoverComcast To Split Off NBCUniversal And SkyToday Programme Told To Prioritise TikTok Over RadioGuardian To Create 55 New Digital JobsTrevor Nelson Takes A Break From BroadcastingZoe Ball Bags Daily Show On Greatest Hits RadioExpectation Hires Mettlemouse's Katrina GrantMill Media Wins Costly Source Protection BattleTelegraph Sale To Axel Springer CompletesNandy Minded To Refer Paramount/WBD Deal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are Freeview's days numbered? 26.06.2026 44min

  Are 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.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Government green paper sets out plan to switch off terrestrial TVDTT switch-off plans raise concerns for radioFox is buying Roku in a $22 billion dealEdinburgh TV Festival to move to Greater ManchesterTime and Axios turn AI prominence into advertising revenueBBC to test news channel on YouTubeUniversal Ads launches in the UKKyle Sandilands reaches settlement with ARNPiers Morgan backed by Liz Murdoch in $27m raiseUK couple reacquire Lake FM in New York Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Enter the Metrics: What Counts As A ‘Play’ These Days? 19.06.2026 42min

  When 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.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:BBC to cancel shows and review channels as it cuts content spendUK social media ban raises digital advertising questionsSpotify redefines a ‘play’BBC launches 3D World Cup experienceBBC made second Ashley Cain series despite alleged misconductTech platforms overtake news outlets as global news sourceSara Cox sets BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show dateRoger Cook, investigative reporter, dies aged 83Rivals renewed for Season 3The Traitors stage show to have 5 different plots Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Doctor Will Not See You Now 12.06.2026 40min

  The 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.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selected the music to for this episode and he and the team can do it for you too at audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:BBC puts Doctor Who out to tender; Christmas special scrappedITV, C4 and Sky call for BBC to cut back on international acquisitionsRhodri Talfan Davies named BBC Deputy Director-GeneralGoalhanger tops Sunday Times fastest-growing companies listTony Livesey to step back from BBC radio showMehdi Hasan launches Zeteo in the UKOnly Murders in the Building moves to London for series sixKarl Warner to relocate to LA for BBC Studios global creator roleMiss Me? leaves the BBC to go commercial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Happy now? Google adds an AI Opt-Out 05.06.2026 45min

  The 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.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode and she and the team can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:UK publishers win opt-out from Google AI OverviewsNetflix UK on Love Is Blind welfare and new commissioning prioritiesJon Petrie exits BBC Comedy for Hat TrickYouTube overtakes Netflix in average daily viewing around the worldWhite House Correspondents' Dinner rescheduledKSI leaves the Sidemen after 13 yearsLisa Nandy admits government got it wrong on AI copyrightBauer Media Audio UK named Campaign Top 5 Best Places to WorkOpenAI confirms no ad revenue share with publishers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Pivot To Video: What Podcasts Can Learn From The Press 22.05.2026 44min

  We'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.comOur 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.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Does News Need More Personality? 15.05.2026 50min

  Is 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA 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 TurnessProlific finance journalists facing questions over identitiesITN CEO Rachel Corp steps down immediatelyZoe Ball confirms she won't be hosting Strictly Come DancingOfcom to investigate GB NewsOsman takes The Golden ElevatorsBig Break returning to BBC daytimeBBC confirms Radio 4 Long Wave switch-off dateNetflix reveals $135bn content spend over past decadeBBC staff fear meagre pay rise after bosses forgo own increase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Richard Bacon: Formats Geek 08.05.2026 51min

  As 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this weekWall St Journal warns of waning press freedomMill Media’s legal threatBBC News hit hardest by new cuts C4's head of sport moves to Whisper Letterman On Future Of Late Nighthttps://deadline.com/2026/05/dept-q-netflix-left-bank-training-programme-1236877887/Acast makes first profit evsName That Tune is BACKThe Epstein Files are BACKCelebrity Traitors is BACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up 01.05.2026 53min

  200 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA 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 tenderSky News unveils premium video-first strategyThe Ankler leaves Substack for new platformPatreon launches Quips and discovery networkiHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talksBarclay Brothers settle with HSBCSophie Jones named new RTS CEOMarvellous Miniature Workshop renewed for 20 episodesTrump claims BBC used AI in Jan 6 editAllison Pearson cleared to sue Essex Police Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up 24.04.2026 53min

  YouTube 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA 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 advertisingSounds Profitable Audio Primes 2026 reportChannel 4 launches strategic review under Priya DograChannel 4: runners and riders to replace Ian KatzSky News launches paywalled contentStandard website now run by IndependentOnion to lease InfowarsBBC Buys In Traitors IndiaRichard Bacon Interviews More Successful PeopleJournalist On The Hook For £14k After Investigation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  8 Out Of 10, Katz? 17.04.2026 52min

  Ian 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios. For 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at: podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at: themediaclub.comA 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 YearsBBC announces latest round of cuts The BBC has launched it's first YouTube docsGary Neville’s buys 'those bloody YouTubers'Trump’s Libel cases fall apartTelegraph takeover clearedASA rules on Lidl and Iceland junk food ads SNL UK announces new guest hostsBoris Johnson heading to Ukraine for 5Scott Mills' replacement to be a wildcard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Sky’s £16m SNL Bet 27.03.2026 47min

  SNL 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA 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/episodeHuw Edwards' attacks Channel 4 dramaDonald Trump Reposts SNL UK Cold OpenPrince Harry case faces setbackMatt Brittin becomes new BBC DG TV Festival 2027 venue shortlist announcedCraig Hunter to head up Global StudiosGhosts Tops Adaptations HitlistStephen Colbert to enter the ShiresMr Benn MovieSora closed by OpenAI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Brittin's Empire - New DG Set To Be Announced 20.03.2026 41min

  Matt 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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA 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 reachDG Davie's Swansong speechPolice to have dedicated contact for journalistsReach accuses BBC of damaging local newsThe FCC and its war against independent newsBBC Asks Court To Throw Out Trump Case - as Trump cries AINew Partners Announced for Apple Podcast Video productSNL UK launches this Saturday. Can it make a splash?Sony Exits The OctopodDisney takes a pass on the Buffy reboot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Telegraph Deal Take #4... and are you World Cup Ready? 13.03.2026 52min

  The Daily Telegraph has a new, new, new suitor - and it's Axel Springer, who has beaten the Daily Mail with a £575 million bid for Telegraph Media Group. Media historian Maggie Brown on what the new owners inherit.Also on the show: Banijay and All3Media announce an $8 billion mega-merger, creating the world's largest independent TV production group. Juan Delgado, CEO of Footballco, on what consolidation at this scale means for the industry.All that plus: the BBC's podcast deal for indies takes its first steps, FIFA OKs ads in World Cup hydration breaks, and in the Audio Network Media Quiz - Long Lost Revenue.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Axel Springer to acquire Telegraph Media Group for £575mBanijay and All3Media merge in $8bn dealElis James and John Robins podcast goes commercial under BBC Audio Release PolicyFIFA to allow World Cup hydration break ads for broadcastersGB News losses narrow to £22m as revenue jumps 58%Podimo hires ex-Netflix, BBC and Disney execs in video pushPodBean switches off dynamic ad insertion in EuropeJunk food ad ban criticised as ineffective by health expertsMail on Sunday staff take the stand in Harry case Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back 06.03.2026 52min

  All3Media and Banijay have merged to create an eight-billion-dollar independent production giant - and there are whispers that ITV Studios could be next on the menu. Media writer Tara Conlan takes stock.Also: Paramount Skydance beats Netflix in a marathon bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery. It's the biggest media merger in history - and the debt pile to match. Former Media Leader editor and now consultant Omar Oakes crunches the numbers.All that plus: News Corp reveals its two-word AI strategy. The BBC publishes its charter wishlist. And in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we put your bluffing skills to the test.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 https://www.audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://www.themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:All3Media and Banijay to mergeITV deal still in contention for Banijay tooParamount beats Netflix for Warner Bros -Newscorp's AI strategy: Woo & SueBBC’s Charter Renewal StrategyWPP's Advertising Intelligence Framework reportReach Digital Revenue DownKyle & Jackie O's $100m contract terminatedLovejoy To Get A RebootTelegraph Censured Over Fictional FamilyJournalists Replaced By Misleading AI writersEpstein Podcast is made entirely by AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  That BAFTA edit, Mip London & AI Updates 27.02.2026 39min

  Just what went wrong on the BBC's BAFTA edit? And how did the afternoon unfold for audience members? Talent agent Alex Segal was in the room when it happened.Also on the show: the government moves to bring Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video under Ofcom regulation for the first time; Goalhanger tells TV commissioners they’ve got young audiences wrong; the Paramount vs Netflix bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery ratchets up; ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at the London Screenings; Peter Wright gives evidence in the Harry phone-hacking trial; Clive Dickens reports from the AI front line… and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play Slate or Fake — London TV Screenings edition.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios — for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:BAFTA's Tourette Incident Derails Awards Celebrations - and Alex's takeStreamers to come under Ofcom's jurisdiction Goalhanger chief says TV commissioners giving up on young audiencesBBC Studios eyeing acquisitions, Acast says it's conscious of ad loadParamount raises WBD bid to $31 a shareITV Studios launches Studio 55 at London ScreeningsDoctor Foster returns for final series with Suranne JonesFormer Mail on Sunday editor gives evidence in Harry phone-hacking trialVariety's Picks Of The WeekPolice media guidelines updated Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Apple Podcasts Pivots To Video, 1% Club Goes Global 20.02.2026 41min

  Apple Podcasts finally joins the video revolution — but is it too late to the party? Entertainment journalist Jamie East has the remote.Also on the show: Sky wants ITV — but does the deal still have legs? Broadcast’s senior reporter Heather Fallon has been following every twist.All that plus: The 1% Club conquers the world, the Broadcast Awards winners are in... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we wage war on the media landscape.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 https://audionetwork.comWe record at Podshop Studios — for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Apple Podcasts embraces videoSKY-ITV talks reportedly slowing1% Club reaches new sales heights Broadcast Award winnersNandy Launches CMA Probe Into Telegraph Deal26% of UK Now Listen to Podcasts Weekly (RAJAR MIDAS)WBD Gives Paramount Seven Days to Make Best OfferMill Media expands to LeedsBBC Considers Opening Up iPlayerChannel 4 Brings YT Comedy Channel to Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is The World Service In Crisis? 13.02.2026 39min

  Tim Davie sends the Government a World Service ultimatum, as he claims funding runs out in seven weeks. Former Radio Academy CEO Paul Robinson tells us what’s at stake.Also on the show: Will Lewis abruptly exits the Washington Post - Priscilla Igwe, founder of The New Black Film Collective, on why independent journalism matters.All that plus: Disney strikes a deal with Sky, the editor of the Today Programme resigns, HBO Max announces its UK launch date... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we enter the world of dating shows.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Tim Davie sends Govt a World Service ultimatumWill Lewis abruptly exits Washington Post Carole Cadwalladr’s message to departing WashPost staffDisney and Sky strike multi-year dealOwenna Griffiths resigns as Today Programme editorHBO Max UK launch date announcedPG Tips sponsors PopmasterSupercast acquired by Red Seat VenturesNew in-car campaign for European radio groupsZai Bennett’s Deadline interviewChannel 4’s Golden Age of BAME ProgrammingLouis Theroux launches Mindhouse StudiosGlobal launches Up To Speed F1 podcastGoalhanger launches The Book Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.