The Media Club with Matt Deegan

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 the wider industry. All that plus: playwright Jack Thorne accuses fellow screenwriters of using AI to cheat, the BBC gets serious about Birmingham, Radio 2 goes shopping for a £300k visualised podcast, Emily Maitlis goes digging into Jeffrey Epstein's British circle, and Acast says the format wars are finally over... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we go looking for good news at the pictures. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us to score each episode 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: Metro editor and executive editor exit amid radical change Reach cuts 220 staff in reaction to AI Overview Jack Thorne says fellow writers are using AI to cheat Channel 4 and Paramount's 5 make advertising history Emily Maitlis to host Global podcast on Epstein's British links BBC launches partnership with Birmingham City University Visualised Podcast Brief at R2 Acast releases Podcast Pulse 2026 Guardian grows revenue to record £282m Newsquest grows profit as digital subscribers rise Washington Post on track to break even after four years of losses Tara’s Job Finding Platform, How Do You Do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. All that plus: the independent production sector's cash reserves are wearing dangerously thin, Ofcom throws public broadcasters an olive branch on advertising rules... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, some old favourites bow out while a flashy new arrival gets no takers. 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.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: Channel 4 Confirms Biggest Job Cuts In Its History Priya Dogra Sets Out Her Rationale Tiny Cash Buffers Leave Small UK TV Firms At Risk Ofcom Sets Out Measures To Help Under-Pressure PSBs BBC Staff Reject Improved Pay Offer As Strike Looms Trump Administration Attacks UK Plan To Boost BBC On YouTube Netflix Hikes UK Prices, Cheapest Plan Up A Third STV Studios Reviews Its Labels Zoe Ball Launches New Afternoon Show On GHR Monty Don Steps Down From Gardeners' World Tom Jones Fired From The Voice UK Antiques Roadshow Repeat Overwhelms The Box Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 - World Of Wonder - joined us for an in depth interview this week which you can see on YouTube. During the chat he had a very particular metaphor for the crisis in television... TV Critic Scott Bryan and indie chief Geoff Jein (Biscuit Jim) dissect the theory. All that, plus conversations with award winners TwoFour, Banijay, Persephonica and Quay Street Productions - and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz - we rundown the big commission announcements of the week with Entertainment Exec Rina Dayalji and Broadcast Magazine's Chris Curtis. 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.com We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk Chapters: 0:00 - Edinburgh TV Festival special 0:33 - YouTube’s Pedro Pina on regulation and public service prominence 6:42 - Fenton Bailey’s Titanic metaphor and TV’s innovation crisis 13:16 - Matt Brittin, the BBC and the future of public broadcasting 18:31 - Rethinking the BBC licence fee and Public Media 2028 25:52 - Audio Network on human-made music and AI 30:22 - Quay Street Productions' Nicola Shindler on drama, funding and what commissioners want 36:34 - Persephonica on podcasting, YouTube and Amol Rajan’s next move 43:20 - Banijay on global formats, creators and building the next big franchise 53:34 - TwoFour's David Clews on 'Educating...', Destination X and taking risks in TV 1:00:27 - Audio Network Media Quiz: Commission Impossible 1:06:46 - Festival takeaways: noisy TV, YouTube and an industry in flux 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk 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: BBC Annual Report: licence payers fall fastest in years Nandy floats a streaming levy for BBC funding Zeteo UK unveiled with Shehab Khan as political editor Claude's 'liquid content' a serious challenge for news media Banijay and All3Media complete $8bn merger Edinburgh TV Festival's last schedule before Manchester move BBC's highest paid journos Iain Dale's memoir Have I Said Too Much? published Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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: Prince Harry loses privacy case against the Daily Mail Paul Dacre's reaction to the verdict Sky agrees £1.6bn takeover of ITV's broadcasting arm What the Sky/ITV deal means for ITV News Is ITV Studios next in line for a takeover? Axel Springer promises AI transformation at Telegraph England's World Cup win breaks BBC viewing records Ludwig recommissioned for series three Matt Brittin to make Edinburgh TV Festival debut BBC told to review acquisitions after Scooby-Doo criticism Bluey gets its first audiobook collection Channel 4 orders Taskmaster family spin-off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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: Sky's £2bn Pledge As It Preps ITV Takeover Comcast To Split Off NBCUniversal And Sky Today Programme Told To Prioritise TikTok Over Radio Guardian To Create 55 New Digital Jobs Trevor Nelson Takes A Break From Broadcasting Zoe Ball Bags Daily Show On Greatest Hits Radio Expectation Hires Mettlemouse's Katrina Grant Mill Media Wins Costly Source Protection Battle Telegraph Sale To Axel Springer Completes Nandy Minded To Refer Paramount/WBD Deal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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: Government green paper sets out plan to switch off terrestrial TV DTT switch-off plans raise concerns for radio Fox is buying Roku in a $22 billion deal Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Greater Manchester Time and Axios turn AI prominence into advertising revenue BBC to test news channel on YouTube Universal Ads launches in the UK Kyle Sandilands reaches settlement with ARN Piers Morgan backed by Liz Murdoch in $27m raise UK couple reacquire Lake FM in New York Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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: BBC to cancel shows and review channels as it cuts content spend UK social media ban raises digital advertising questions Spotify redefines a ‘play’ BBC launches 3D World Cup experience BBC made second Ashley Cain series despite alleged misconduct Tech platforms overtake news outlets as global news source Sara Cox sets BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show date Roger Cook, investigative reporter, dies aged 83 Rivals renewed for Season 3 The Traitors stage show to have 5 different plots Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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: BBC puts Doctor Who out to tender; Christmas special scrapped ITV, C4 and Sky call for BBC to cut back on international acquisitions Rhodri Talfan Davies named BBC Deputy Director-General Goalhanger tops Sunday Times fastest-growing companies list Tony Livesey to step back from BBC radio show Mehdi Hasan launches Zeteo in the UK Only Murders in the Building moves to London for series six Karl Warner to relocate to LA for BBC Studios global creator role Miss Me? leaves the BBC to go commercial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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

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