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 Red Bull’s jump from space changed branded content forever.All that plus: Disney invests in OpenAI, Eurovision implodes... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we bring you up to date in the media transfer window. 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:Netflix Buys Warner BrosParamount's hostile bidA History Of Warner DealsGolden Globes Inaugural Podcast Nominees AnnouncedSteve Ackerman To Leave Sony Podcasts

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. All that plus: why the next Director General may not come from the ranks - media veteran Maggie Brown tells us more; Acast offers podcasters a better deal with YouTube... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we revive the Christmas Tapes of old. 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:'Windowing in back, big time'Netflix Commission Goalhanger's Rest Is Football for World CupOmnicom acquires Interpublic Acast announces tie-up for enhanced YouTube offering

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 post production house Residence Pictures, explains what all these studio projects mean for the sector. All that plus: Michael Prescott faces MPs, as do various BBC execs, a lost Blackadder script goes on sale... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we connect three more underreported stories from the week.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:Mail agrees to buy the TelegraphBBC at CMS Select CommitteeDeadline on the lack of tax credits in the budget Bid For The Blackadder Chrismas Special That Never Was

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, speaking to suppliers about how this all impacts their business.All that plus: the Telegraph is up for sale, again... Goalhanger launch a new show... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we tabloid the news.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.comBecome 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:Updates to Disney+Trump Raises The Stakes vs BBC To $5bnTelegraph Sale Is Off (Again) Should there be an independent process?FT Launches First SubstackMeta win AntiTrust Case

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 arm is - our panel discuss why Sky is ready to snap it up... Plus, why a dispute between YouTube and Disney is frustrating US football fans... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we consume all the news that’s fit to TikTok.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.comBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Davie & Turness resign over PanoramaTrump's libel deadlineWider reaction ITV in sales talks with Comcast/SkyCeleb Traitors Is Renewed, obvs

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 and academic Jane Martinson tells us more.All that plus: Canada leaks the Traitors finale... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we give three more media stories a glow up.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.comBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Sidemen manager calls out 'Titanic' BBCBritish Broadcasting Challenge reportNetflix in talks to licence iHeart podcastsThe Times' Recent Blunders (and how to stop them)

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 the media, who’s in the running for the BBC’s next mega-format commission... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we Zandland the news.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://www.themediaclub.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.ukA Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Disney+ parts ways with the WhoniverseAI report: 9% of US newspaper articles may be aided by AI.Sora 2's rolloutNine indies shortlisted for BBC and NBCU mega-formatTelegraph links po

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 skills all agencies need to stay competitive. All that plus: a Warner Brothers Discovery sale is looking likely - but who wants it? Why has Ofcom rowed back on changes to the Broadcast Code? And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we pitch some new business ideas.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at https://www.audionetwork.comBecome 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:Strictly’s Tess and Claudia Wrongfoot The Media With AnnouncementWarner Bros Discovery sale on the cards Podcasts coming to Netflix... but are they ready for them? And what's behind the platform's poor earnings report? 

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 content, Channel 4 grows its platform... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we discover why our sector will never be the same again.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at https://www.audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Sony Sees Video Games and Anime as Key IP BattlegroundsMail is doubling down on social mediaNetflix and Spotify do deal for podcastsChannel 4 and UKTV strike landmark streaming deal 

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 Dhillon and we find out why Paddington Bear may be going to court.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Guardian seeks new strategyGlobal Acquires Fellas Studios, launches Global StudiosSteven Bartlett launches FlightcastDid Google Favour Global News Brands Over Local?Radio Techcon open for businessDaniel Ek to spend more time with his drones

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 meets nominees to discuss changes at Audio Always, the UK’s first female-founded video podcast network Hera, and Rory Cellan-Jones on his Parkinson’s podcast Movers And Shakers... with Jeremy Paxman. That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record our main show at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Daniel Ek Steps Back From Spotify To Spend More Time With His Drones)Bill Murray’s Golf Show CommissionedTrump Causing Satire Funding Issues, say Armando IannucciObserver Veterans Launch New Title

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 that plus: MPs enter the chat as YouTubers demand a mortgage - but what about the other freelancers? And, in the Media Quiz, we ‘travelogue’ our way around three more curious stories from the week.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Jimmy Kimmel returns to TV after highly criticized suspensionKantar Media Reactions 2025UK’s YouTube and TikTok content creators deserve more rights, say MPsSky Studios Elstree Expansion Given Green LightYouTube P

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 writer Kate Bulkley.... And the Financial Times launches a new film starring Stephen Fry; we speak to the FT’s Juliet Riddell about marrying journalism with fiction.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We're remote recording this week, but when we're in person... we record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:LHF Ad Ban is looming - and the loophole for radio and podcastersChannel 4 Makes History By Taking First Ever Majority Stake In A Production CompanyYouTube's AI updates in fullRecall Me, Maybe - new FT film starring Stephen Fry

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 Observer staff face up to their new reality... and, in the Media Quiz, our guests take part in a branding exercise.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Lachlan takes control of News CorpCulture Secretary Pressing Streamers on CIISAObserver cuts pagination and casualsGregg Wallace sues the BBCFridge Magnate Takes Channel 4 Job

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 that plus: has Destination X been mistreated? Apple TV starts selling its shows to terrestrial broadcasters... and, in the Media Quiz, we fix up some old media properties..The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:All3Media’s Quiet YearWondery's pivotThe top 25 pods suggest video is coming for audio... ITV Studios to launch Entertainment label

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, Faraz Osman, Heather Fallon and Jordan Laird.Also on the programme: the new Last One Laughing line up is released. Leon Wilson from Banajay UK reveals the list… and what the future holds for Masterchef. Plus, in the Media Quiz, we play The Weakest Format. Start the clock!That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in…The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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:Harding Warns Of BBC Independence Crisis‘The Celebrity Traitors’ Gets Fall Release Date On BBCNetflix Bristles at C4 'tourist' jibeLast One Laughing line-up announced

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 record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWe're taking a break now until the Edinburgh TV Festival in August - if you're there, please do say hello!**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 now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media? Meliora CEO Clive Dickens reveals the conversations happening behind closed doors.Plus: the BBC’s annual report shows healthy profits for its commercial arm - but trouble brewing closer to home.Become 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:LEAN AI leaderboardFreelancers unable to call out toxic behaviourTorode also leaving Masterchef

**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 Overview: Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette takes us through the legal challenge publishers have just launched.All that plus: Gregg Wallace isn’t giving up without a fight, are we heading for a world with just two public service broadcasters? And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, Matt consults the Club’s crystal ball.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:The Gay Times’ readers share schemePeter Bazelgette: only two PSBs will exist in a decade

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.And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we try out another shiny floor format destined for primetime. Probably.The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network who select the music to score each episode - they can do it for you too at audionetwork.comBecome 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.We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:YouTube calls on government to recognise creatorsAudio UK calls for recognition as a creative industryChannel 4 broadcasts BBC’s cancelled Gaza Medics docAustralian journalist wins unfair dismissal case over Gaza postCBS pays $16m to settle with Trump