The Media Club with Matt Deegan
Rethink Audio 385 episodes Nov 6, 2026
Media news from the UK, covering television production, streaming, radio, audio, journalism, the internet, and publishers. Each week, expert analysts and media practitioners join host Matt Deegan to discuss top media stories and their implications for the sector. Recent guests include journalists from Broadcast, The Guardian, Deadline, Press Gazette, and industry leaders from BBC, ITN, and more.
Episodes
Unhappily Ever After: MAFS Axed
Channel 4 calls time on Married at First Sight - even though its own review said the show could carry on. Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson on what it means for reality TV.Also on the show: a "famous man" loses his High Court bid to stop the Guardian and ITN publishing allegations against him. Professor Jane Martinson on a landmark ruling for press freedom.All that plus: do broadcasters
The Horror Of Subscriptions & Ghostwatch Revisited
How many subscription services do we need? Podcast exec Steve Ackerman, tells us why paywalls need a overhaul. Also on the show: Channel 4 moves in with Disney+... and hires The Cube's showrunner to make its own hits. CMG Productions co-CEO and Channel 4 alumna Claire McArdle on what it means for broadcasters, indies... and your remote control.All that plus: the Telegraph's AI-powered futu
Newsrooms In Flux
While BBC News loses another 100 roles, CNN comes knocking with a fiver-a-month UK subscription. Charlotte Tobitt from Press Gazette takes us through it.Also on the show: what’s actually working with AI in the newsroom - and what’s a waste of budget? Fergus Bell and Tom Trewinnard, co-founders of news consultancy Fathm, bring us a field guide from the newsrooms they’ve worked inside.All that plus:
Ben Frow Takes A Bow
After 14 years of Yorkshire vets, cruise ships and All Creatures Great and Small, Ben Frow is stepping down at 5. Broadcast's Heather Fallon on the end of an era - and who could possibly follow him.Also on the show: new launches are down on broadcasters and streamers alike - and so are the bank balances of the people who make them. Indielab founder Victoria Powell on what small indies can do a
Should the BBC ‘Be More Elvis’?
The BBC's director general wants the corporation to have "a little less conversation, a little more action" - but with BBC Three reportedly heading for the exit, are the staff all shook up? Gold Wala's Faraz Osman on what Matt Brittin's digital revolution means for the people who make the programmes.Also on the show: it's the first ever National Magazine Day. The Week Jun
Has Audio Ever Had It So Good?
Ten years on from Remainiacs, Podmasters co-founder Martin Bojtos says we're nowhere near peak podcast - and MIDiA Research's Laura Fisher on why Gen Z are turning to radio for music discovery.Also on the show: Dave Masterman on building Significant Productions with Elis James and John Robins, and the Audio Academy's Aradhna Tayal Leach on the key takeaways from the Audio Festival in L
Trump TV, Talent Reboots & Who Loves The Ads?
Where do people actually want to see your adverts – and where would they rather you just didn't? Kantar's Global Media Director Gonca Bubani gives us an early look at Media Reactions 2026.Also on the show: Strictly, Bake Off and the Grand Tour get a talent reboot. InterTalent MD Alex Segal – author of the Dealmakers Substack – on the stars refreshing old formats.All that plus: Trump’s late
When 1m readers isn’t enough: Metro seeks 'radical change'
Metro's editor-in-chief has quit and a familiar face is back to steady the ship. Alex Hudson, who spent years as deputy editor of Metro.co.uk, sizes up his old newsroom.Also on the show: Channel 4 and Channel 5 make advertising history together, just days after Channel 4 confirmed a quarter of its workforce is going. TV and media journalist Tara Conlan on what the deal – and the cuts – mean for th
Channel 4 to become Channel ¾
A quarter of Channel 4’s workforce will be gone by the end of the year in Priya Dogra’s grand vision. Broadcast's Rebecca Cooney on whether the broadcaster can afford it, and what happens to its promise to the nations and regions.Also on the show: as advertisers pile back into audio, Bauer Media Advertising's Simon Kilby joins the club for the first time to tell us where the money's actually going
Should YouTube Be Regulated?
We're in Edinburgh for the last installment of the Edinburgh International TV Festival before it moves to Manchester next year. But there's plenty of energy on show in this season finale, as YouTube's Pedro Pina delivers the Festival's keynote - the MacTaggart lecture - and unsurprisingly, was not keen on more regulation or of their platform.Also on the show: where's innovation? Fenton Bailey - Wo
Is The BBC In Jeopardy? Plus: Zeteo UK soft launch
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
The Mail's Big Win, Sky's Bigger Buy
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 t
Sky Commits To Coronation Street; Radio 4 Commits To TikTok
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 airwa
Are Freeview's days numbered?
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 Netw
Enter the Metrics: What Counts As A ‘Play’ These Days?
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,
The Doctor Will Not See You Now
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 plu
Happy now? Google adds an AI Opt-Out
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
The Pivot To Video: What Podcasts Can Learn From The Press
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
Does News Need More Personality?
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 F
Richard Bacon: Formats Geek
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 celebrat
Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up
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 eup
YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up
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
8 Out Of 10, Katz?
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 '
Sky’s £16m SNL Bet
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 th
The Brittin's Empire - New DG Set To Be Announced
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 cons
Telegraph Deal Take #4... and are you World Cup Ready?
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 consoli
Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back
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
That BAFTA edit, Mip London & AI Updates
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 B
Apple Podcasts Pivots To Video, 1% Club Goes Global
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 Qui
Is The World Service In Crisis?
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
Scottish Media In Focus and a Rajars Special
We’re in Glasgow to see how broadcasters and indies are meeting the challenge of fragmentation - we speak to Bobby Hain and Graham Bryce about launching STV Radio - and we have STV Studios exec Paul Sheehan on their expanding portfolio.Also on this packed show: it’s Rajars week. How have stations across the country performed? Adam Bowie takes us through who’s up and down. All that plus: another ne
Convergence Is King
We're joined by two execs that find their sectors converging on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Steve Ackerman speaks to his three decades at Somethin’ Else and then Sony Music Podcasts, whilst ITV Studio’s Martin Trickey tells us about his social agency label, Zoo55.Also on the show: Can news outlets survive Google’s AI Overview? The UK markets regulator may intervene - but will it be in time
Prince Harry In Court, BBC on YouTube, Channel 4 Studios
It’s Harry vs Daily Mail: but as both sides bring robust arguments, could this one get messy? Journalist and TV producer Steven D Wright gets the popcorn out.Also on the show: the BBC agrees a deal with YouTube and Ofcom to produce content for the platform. TV critic Rhianna Dhillon explains the deal and what it means for your feed.All that plus: Channel 4 gets commercial, the Government throws a
Goalhanger Breaks New Records, Superindies Plan Merger
Goalhanger hits quarter of a million paying listeners, we speak exclusively to their Chief Revenue Officer about their strategy, and what it means for tv, radio and streamers across the sector.Also on the show: Banijay and All3Media are in talks to merge. But what do you call a superindie when it doubles in size?All that plus: Cathay Newman leaves Channel 4, Amol Rajan leaves Today ... and, in the
Spotify’s Changes And What They Mean For You
Spotify announces big changes to its revenue machine and Global spends big on Gary Nevile’s network.... Lots of podcast upheaval, but are podcasts at risk of losing money through a bad actor? Thomas Curry, exec at BBC Studios, takes us through the week’s deals.Also on the show: should we spend double what we do for the World Service? And should the Government pay for it? Rebecca Cooney from Broadc
$10bn And Counting
Is there any merit to Donald Trump’s case against the BBC? And can the corporation get it dismissed before the legal costs rack up? Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor at Press Gazette tells us the latest.Also on the show: the Oscars head to YouTube. What does the multi-year deal mean for broadcast television? Journalist and all-round digital media maven Alex Hudson makes sense of it for us.All that plus:
Netflix Digs Deep For Warner As Paramount Fights Back
It’s the biggest media deal for a decade - or maybe not, if Paramount gets their way. How does this affect consumers, cinema goers... and all of us, really? Faraz Osman, MD at indie Gold Wala joins me to discuss a seismic week in the media.Also on the show: how do you make a documentary about the enigma that is Nick Cave? Filmmaker Mike Christie joins us to discuss his new documentary... and how R
Friends Leaves Netflix, Just As Streamers Embrace ‘Windowing’
Is HBO Max doing the right thing pulling the sitcom everywhere but their own service? Or are consumers getting tired of chasing their favourite shows behind paywalls? We look at the return of ‘windowing’ and what’s driving the trend.Also on the show: agency giant Omnicom acquired Interpublic recently. Does that solve all its problems? Brand consultant and writer Omar Oakes thinks maybe not. A
Another Telegraph Sale Twist - And Are There Too Many Studios?
The Mail agrees to buy the Telegraph: but where’s the money coming from? And will the Government wave it through? Private Eye’s Adam MacQueen, writer on the magazine’s Street Of Shame, laments another twist in the Telegraph saga.Also on the show: the budget offered no new tax credits for the film and TV industry... but at least there’s another big studio being built. Cara Kotschy, co-founder of po
Disney’s AI Gamble, MediaCity & Substack Growth
What do the noises coming out of Disney+ tell us about the streamer’s plans for user generated AI? Matt Deegan is joined by Stuart Morgan, MD & Founder of Audio Always and Cat Lewis, CEO of Nine Lives Media to discuss the week’s media news.Also on the show: as Donald Trump raises the stakes against the BBC to $5bn in damages, we’re in Salford at MediaCity, the corporation’s second-biggest hub,
Should The BBC Pay Trump? (And 101 Other Questions)
It was one scandal too many for Tim Davie - where does his departure leave the BBC at this crucial time? And which talented exec would dare take on the role? Former Chief Creative Officer for BBC TV, Patrick Younge, and The Telegraph’s media editor James Warrington, whose paper broke this DG-slaying story, join us in the studio.Also on the show: ITV is up for sale - well, at least the broadcasting
Is The BBC Heading For Disaster?
The Sidemen’s manager thinks the Beeb is on the same path as the Titanic; just as others speak up for big changes in the next ten year plan. We ask is it even possible for the corporation to change course? Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson weighs the arguments for us.Also on the show: - fool me once... shame on you - The Times reflects on being tricked for the second time in a month... journalist
Disney’s Doctor Who Era Is Over, Zandland & Sora 2
What does it take to cut through as a documentary maker on YouTube? Filmmaker Ben Zand joins us to talk about his recent launch, Human.Also on the show: Disney Plus cuts ties with Doctor Who as it decides not to renew a deal with the BBC... what next for one of the corporation’s international hits? Broadcast’s Rebecca Cooney explains. All that plus: we look at Sora 2 and AI’s implications for
Tess & Claudia Wrongfoot The Media and Leave Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing's presenters are both leaving - who’s in the running to replace Tess & Claude at the BBC’s flagship show? And why was their announcement on Instagram so strange? Heather Fallon, senior reporter at Broadcast Magazine explains.Also on the show: how do you make a talent agency fit for purpose in a digital world? InterTalent’s MD, Alex Segal, joins us to discuss the new skill
What’s Hot At MIPCOM: Video Games, Anime & Being Friendly
Attention returns to the south of France as the TV industry is joined at their annual international bash by YouTube. Media writer Tara Conlan is not in Cannes, but is on our sofa, and ready to explain.Also on the pod: as Spotify does more deals with streamers - BBC Studios’ Thomas Curry is here to survey the podcast landscape with us. All that plus: the Daily Mail doubles down on TikTok conte
Fellas Go Global, Guardian Pivots, Paddington Sues
Global splashes out on buying The Fellas Studios - what can these two very different media brands get from the deal? Also on the pod: as the Guardian announces a new digital strategy - Jim Waterson of London Centric looks back at what’s changed in the ten years of Kath Viner editorship.All that plus: a little bit of Celebrity Traitors and all the latest telly trends with critic Rhianna Dhillo
British Podcast Awards 2025
We are back at the British Podcast Awards - one of the biggest nights in media as the worlds of radio, TV and journalism all have a stake in this still fledgling medium.Ollie Peart is backstage once again to hear from winners including Carl Miller on Kill List season two and a potential TV adaptation and Pod Save The UK’s Coco Kahn on Crooked Media’s struggles with Trump 2.0.Along the way Matt mee
Kimmel's Return, YouTuber Mortgages & Bedtime Stories
With Disney and ABC facing the wrath of viewers, why are the big media beasts struggling with the second Trump presidency? Broadcaster and audio critic Miranda Sawyer looks back on another tumultuous week in talk shows.Also on the pod: which brands and platforms do advertisers love right now and why? Media strategist Jane Ostler from Kantar joins us to reveal the latest Media Reactions data.All th
LHF Ban, RTS Cambridge and FT Drama
Is the TV industry ready for the latest advertising ban? And why is radio set to profit from it? TV consultant Stephen Arnell joins us to explain more about the Less Healthy Food restrictions.Also on the show: the rise of fake journalists and PRs is on the rise. Charlotte Tobitt, UK editor of Press Gazette takes us down the rabbithole. All the news from the RTS Cambridge convention with media writ
Are Journalists Now Influencers Too?
An online spat reveals a new truth about modern journalism. Alex Hudson, Editor-in-chief of Everything Popular is Wrong, takes a trip into Substack to investigate.Also on the pod: Lachlan Murdoch wins the succession battle. TV critic and media writer Scott Bryan tells us who are the real winners and losers. All that plus: why are streamers so reluctant to fund an antibullying body? The Observ
Who’s Buying? Commissioners And Superindies In The Spotlight
Why are the superindies reluctant to spend on new ideas at the moment? Steven D Wright, journalist and TV producer tells us what’s going on.It’s about to get quieter in the audio sector too, with the cull at Wondery sending shockwaves through the burgeoning podcast sector. Chloe Straw, chief exec of trade body Audio UK, gives us the mood music - and which strategies could help your business.All th
Was This The Bitchiest TV Festival Ever?
Is Netflix indulging in ‘TV Tourism?’ And what does it mean? Should Channel 4 have broadcast their Bonnie Blue documentary? And why is a newspaper editor delivering the keynote at a room full of TV makers?It’s our annual, Edinburgh International TV Festival special - with all the insight from the sessions... and gossip from the conference floor. Featuring Boyd Hilton, Rebecca Cooney, Jake Kanter,
Ofcom's Cristina Nicolotti Squires on PSB promience
Public service content should be findable on YouTube - so says media regulator Ofcom, in today's announcement of a public service media review.Cristina Nicolotti Squires speaks to Matt Deegan about treating YouTube as a new form of EPG, the need for media literacy - and looks back at the challenges the regulator has faced this year with impartiality at GB News and BBC Radio's spin-off stations.We
Wallace, BBC Studios Profits and Media's AI Future
Is the media industry too toxic for freelancers? Exec producer Rina Dayalji joins us to discuss the wider problems at the heart of the BBC’s Masterchef scandal.**SURVEY TIME** We need more info on our listeners and viewers to help improve the show. It takes 2mins and one lucky applicant will win a £50 John Lewis voucher. Take part nowAlso on the show: how will AI change the way we made and consume
Gay Times: Where Readers Become Investors
**SURVEY TIME** We need more info on our listeners and viewers to help improve the show. It takes 2mins and one lucky applicant will win a £50 John Lewis voucher. Take part as you listen...When the ad money leaves, what do you do to keep your publication going? Tag Warner, CEO of the Gay Times, joins us to discuss their adventures in a readership share scheme.Partly fuelling that is Google’s AI Ov
BBC Gaza Row & YouTubers And Podcasters Seek New Status
Why do YouTubers and podcasters want government recognition? Tim Burrowes of Unmade Media joins us to discuss the perils of securing a mortgage as a digital creator - as well as the latest from MADFest in London.Also on the show: amid Glasto controversy and Channel 4 picking up a supposedly partial doc on Gaza... does the BBC need to reset its news coverage? Edelman’s Karin Robinson fills us in.An
Beyond Google Search: Finding Today's Consumers
Can big tech be tamed? As the competition regulator tries to tweak Google’s algorithm, Mail Online’s SEO chief Carly Steven explains what the impact has been for her outlet.Also on the show: are vertical dramas the next big thing? Caroline Frost, Radio Times TV Editor and Podcast Host, tells us if they’re a thumbs up... or is that a swipe right?All that plus: discontent swells at a BBC meeting ove
New BBC Chief, Cannes Lions and Netflix Goes Linear
Kate Philips is announced as the BBC’s all-powerful creative lead - Faraz Osman, founder of TV indie Gold Wala, takes a look at her in-tray.Also on the show: TV advertising gets the self-service treatment... Rebecca Cooney, insight editor at Broadcast, tells us why broadcasters are targeting small businesses.Plus, speaking of advertising: with the threat of AI ever present, how do creatives rate t
How Influencers Stole Broadcasters' Ad Money
How did social media stars, podcasters and YouTubers overtake traditional media in ad revenue? Michael Savage, media editor at the Guardian, shepherds us into the new era.Also on the show: as The Standard announces a new partnership with Message Heard, we chat to the podcast outfit’s Jake Warren about the magic ingredients that turn print into podcast.All that plus: Warner Brothers Discovery give
Newsroom Ethics and Tim Davie’s Wish List
Do we need a Hypocratic oath for journalism? Journalist and Author Mic Wright has been into UK newsrooms to deduce whether there's an ethical line beyond, “don’t get sued.” Also on the show: the BBC sets out its stall for charter renewal. PR supremo Will Wood is here to take us through Tim Davey’s wishlist.All that plus: the AI copyright bill suffers another setback, there’s more job cuts at Disne
Indies: Do Not Fear C4 And The Big Studios
Why indies shouldn’t fear Channel 4’s production arm - Derek Drennan, founder of Nest Productions talks to us about his business, and why IP isn’t the only game in town.Also on the show: as the industry mourns the passing of Alan Yentob, former BBC exec Paul Robinson takes us back to his 90s heyday.All that plus: the Telegraph is sold AGAIN - will that be that? And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz
ITV Cuts Loose: How Daytime Lost Its Lure
Rumours abound after Channel 4 plans to invest in indies as part of its in-house production arm strategy - and that’s just as ITV slashes its budgets for daytime. Broadcast reporter Heather Fallon tells us what it all means.Also on the programme: Gary Lineker is ‘sent off’ the BBC after a controversial social post. Did it all have to end like this? TV critic and media writer Scott Bryan looks at w
ARIAS 2025, RAJARs & Radio 3's Renaissance
We are LIVE at the ARIAS - the Radio Academy’s annual awards for the sector. We’ll be speaking to the big winners about the state of the industry and striving for excellence in a digital world - as well as Radio Academy chief Aradhna Tayal Leach.Also on the programme: it’s RAJARs week - yes, the latest radio listening figures are out. Sam Jackson, controller at BBC Radio 3 is here to discuss the n
Why The New Tariff Threat Can't Turn Back Time
Former BBC1, ITV controller and Expectation chief Peter Fincham joins us to discuss his new podcast, Insiders, on the secrets of the TV industry. We’ll find out what he makes of this week’s headlines.Also on the programme: as President Trump threatens tariffs on high end TV and Film, media writer Tara Conlan assesses the risks for the sector.All that plus: we’re in Bradford for all the takeaways f
Politico: 10 Years In Europe... and a big C4 departure
Politico’s senior executive editor, Kate Day, tells us what’s in store for the original newsletter publisher.Also on the programme: Alex Mahon is set to leave Channel 4. Deadline’s senior investigations reporter Jake Kanter is here to divine what happens next.All that plus: Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd talks to us about just what he sacrificed to get his story out there, as well as more interviews
Sham Experts, Luxury Podcasts & Radio 2 vs Ofcom
In the club today: the curious case of fictional experts... is AI driving a credibility problem when sourcing talking heads? Media writer Maggie Brown and broadcaster Alex Zane discuss Press Gazette’s excellent scoop... as well the launch of Alex’s new podcast, The Savoy Originals.Also on the programme: Ofcom puts the brakes on Radio 2’s spin-off. Phil Riley from Boom Radio assesses the dama
How To Grow And Sell Your Media Business
Is your company investment-ready? Mark Browning CEO of Zinc Media Group tells us what you need to do to get investment in a media business.Also on the programme: as the BBC publishes its annual report, things get spicy as Auntie takes on the streamers... media writer Manori Ravindran picks apart the commentary.All that plus: has Michael Sheen got some explaining to do? One indie thinks so... and,
No News Is Good News (For Google)
Google claims its search business would be fine without news sites. But does their research stand up to scrutiny? Media writer Jane Martinson tells us more.Also on the programme: TV indies breathe a sigh of relief as a big market investigation is dropped. But it’s not so good news for broadcasters though; Rebecca Cooney (Broadcast) explains.All that plus: there’s a u-turn for BBC Studios, Bauer re
This Podcast Was Shot In One Take*
As the TV crisis continues, a Murdoch enters the chat. We take a temperature check on the sector with former UKTV commissioner and now boss at indie Square Pears’, Iain Coyle.Also on the programme: we reveal the one-take secrets of Adolescence, as well as the winners of the Broadcast Press Guild awards.All that plus: as Trump plans to close Voice Of America, Kate Bulkley is here to assess its impa
Google's AI Mode vs Fleet Street
Will Google's AI mode destroy the news media? Has YouTube set its sights on the TV industry? Writer and telly critic Scott Bryan’s here to tell us how parent company Alphabet’s still reshaping the media landscape across the world.Also on the programme: the World Service needs Government funding, argue BBC bosses. But can they match the scale of China and Russia’s operations? Faraz Osman, head of i
Are Film Crews At Breaking Point?
Long hours and broken turnarounds... are TV and film crews being squeezed to breaking point? Plus film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon joins us to look at the issue - and how the Oscars’ TV show is still searching for a younger audience.Also on the programme: City AM is one of the last freesheets standing. Editor Christian May is here to reveal its staying power.All that plus: the BBC gets
Charlotte Moore resigns - what does it mean for the BBC?
Charlotte Moore resigns from the BBC, kickstarting a flurry of changes at some big indies. Chris Curtis, editor of Broadcast Magazine, takes us through what it all means... and who’s in the running for the BBC’s top creative role.Also on the programme: how is 5 News bucking the trend and growing its audience? Reporter Warren Nettleford tells us more.And why do audio paywalls work in Europe... but
Where’s The Next Big TV Hit Coming From?
Alex Smith drops in to discuss bringing the final series of Big Boys to Channel 4, and what’s coming next for Rough Cut and the wider TV market as London prepares for its first Mip London.Jim Waterson’s also here to celebrate the success of London Centric, his Substack newsroom for local journalism. With thousands paying for access, we’ll ask why wouldn’t journalists turn their back on legacy medi
Will Netflix Pivot To Podcasts?
Channel 4 reveals their new drama slate. Heat magazine’s Boyd Hilton takes us through the ambitious line-up.Also on the programme: as Bradford’s year as city of culture continues, Lisa Campbell joins us to talk about the upcoming Creative Cities Convention, where she has just taken over as director.All that, plus: why Netflix might be turning to podcasts for growth, the BBC provides evidence
RAJAR Week, Celebrity Traitors & What's Next for Kay Burley?
In the club today: it’s RAJARs week - analyst Adam Bowie is here to run the numbers for the radio industry.Also on the programme: as the BBC celebrates record viewing figures for The Traitors... what can we expect from the celebrity version? Megan Carver (Carver PR) reveals the runners and riders.All that, plus: The Sun’s rebuilding its paywall... and, in The Media Quiz, we say farewell to some bi
Is ITV’s Hacking Drama The Next Mr Bates?
Just as News UK wraps up its court battles... ITV announces a new drama all about them, starring Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger. Media writer Tara Conlan tells us more.Also on the programme: The toxic world of the comedy industry is back in the headlines - writer and broadcaster Julia Raeside joins us on the member’s sofa to discuss the last few years, and her new book, Don’t Make Me Laugh.All that
Did Prince Harry Win?
Prince Harry settles with News Group Newspapers. Is that finally the end of the phone hacking saga? And has the press learned its lesson? Will Wood, head of PR firm Multitude Media, reflects on over a decade of trials and inquiries.Also on the programme: could Mr Beast buy TikTok? Jake Kanter, Investigations Editor at Deadline, reflects on a week of turmoil at the Chinese social media firm.All tha
Scotland Takes Aim At Traitors
In the club today - when does Out Of London actually mean... London? Rebecca Cooney, Insight Editor at Broadcast looks at the curious row that’s dominating Scottish TV this week.Also on the programme: wildfires across LA cause havoc for Hollywood. Karin Robinson, Senior Director of Strategy at Edelman explaisn the effect it will have on production.All that, plus: just when it looked like Davi
The End Of Fact Checking?
Meta removes fact checking from Facebook: Journalist and digital native Alex Hudson looks at what it means for news organisations.Also on the programme: Global scraps regional radio and Bauer buys Clear Channel... and why is sport suddenly the streamers’ new focus? Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson looks at recent deals by DAZoNe and Disney.All that, plus: Hollywood dramas in podcast form - Goldh
Tortoise’s Observer deal is done
The Observer becomes part of Tortoise. Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette is here to tell us what happens next.Also on the programme: BBC Radio faces pushback from Ofcom over its DAB expansion plans, and The Radio Times’ Caroline Frost ponders what we have to look forward to on TV in 2025.All that, plus: all the gossip from the British Journalism Awards, the continued de-Wallacing of TV... And
