The Media Club with Matt Deegan

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400

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Media news from the UK, looking at television production, streaming, radio, audio, journalism, the internet, publishers and more. Each week expert analysts and media practitioners join the host, media consultant Matt Deegan, to talk about the top media stories and work out what it means for the sector and the people in it. Recent experts have included Broadcast's Rebecca Cooney and Chris Curtis, The Guardian's Michael Savage, Deadline's Jake Kanter, the Press Gazette's Charlotte Tobitt, Ankler's Manori Ravindran, plus writers Tara Conlan, Scott Bryan, Jane Martinson, Jim Waterson and Boyd Hilton. Our industry practitioners have included Expectation's Peter Fincham, Gold Wala's Faraz Osman, Multitude's Will Wood, Nest's Derek Drennan, BBC Radio 3's Sam Jackson, Persephonica's Dino Sofos, City AM's Christian May, ITN's Lisa Campbell and Daily Mail's Jamie East. Find out more at https://www.themediaclub.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 6, 202652 min

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 need creators more than creators need them? The BBC goes looking for another £300 million... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we get misty-eyed over the Christmas adverts. The Audio Network Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex (who is a real person) selects the music 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: Channel 4 ends Married at First Sight UK after external review Famous man loses injunction fight against the Guardian and ITN Broadcasters need creators "more than creators need them" BBC deputy DG on the next round of savings - and the Trump lawsuit City Financial News: Budget 2026 live coverage CMA to investigate ITV/Sky deal Creative Cities Comes To Glasgow Complaints As Arday Reporter Gets Nomination SNL Korea gets a spin-off Channel 4 Gambles With Viewers Diary Of A CEO tops YouTube Podcast chart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 30, 202643 min

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 future costs up to 100 jobs, it's RAJAR week and Adam Bowie talks us through the radio numbers, Steve explains why your favourite podcast has no idea who you are... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, it's Halloween - so we turn the lights down low for three spine-chilling media tales. 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 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 merge TV and audio commissioners across three genres Channel 4 and Disney+ strike landmark UK deal Channel 4 hires Adam Adler as Creative Director of its in-house studio Telegraph cuts up to 100 jobs in 'AI-powered' overhaul Allison Pearson said to be negotiating exit from the Telegraph Adam Bowie’s review of RAJAR Q3 2026 SupaPass appoints Steve Ackerman as non-executive director Ghostwatch: The Night That Terrified Britain on 5 Why colourful collaborations can be a route to success BBC pays £400,000 to former Storyville commissioner Lucie Kon The TV Festival sets Manchester dates and venues British Journalism Awards 2026 shortlist revealed Celeb seeking injunction against Guardian and ITN Reform launches The Reformer Spreaker and the podcast copycats Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 23, 202643 min

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: Spotify wants your superfans’ money, two Southwark courtrooms put the media in the spotlight... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we warm up the valves on the wireless for a vintage parlour game. 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 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 close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra linear services CNN launches All Access subscription and paywall in the UK Spotify announces Spotify Partnerships Court Hears Daily Mail Editor’s Voicemail from Tommy Robinson “Media industry protects its own,” court hears in Russell Brand case Canary Closes BBC TikTok Channel Closes YouTuber Laments YouTube After Hacking The Signal - Fathm’s weekly podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 16, 202640 min

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 about it, and why the whole industry is heading to GrowthLab London at the Barbican. All that plus: Marina Hyde goes Always On, the gossip from MIPCOM... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we gather the suspects in the drawing room. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode - and the Audio Network 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: Ben Frow steps down at 5 Marina Hyde launches Always On with Goalhanger Netflix and Disney+ new launches down in 2026 GrowthLab London 2026 BBC asks court to make Trump sit for deposition Fox's Rob Wade: "We're not here to flip a house" Ian Hislop marks 40 years at Private Eye Girls returns to HBO Podnews Daily goes to video GTA VI gets podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 9, 202652 min

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 Junior's editor Vanessa Harriss on why, in an age of endless screens, children are still reaching for paper. All that plus: Channel 4 finds its new content chief, Warner Bros. wakes up as Skydance... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we roll up the shutters on some abandoned lock-ups. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode - and the Audio Network 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 boss Matt Brittin sets out a Silicon Valley-style revolution Brittin faces staff criticism over job cuts in junior ranks BBC Three and BBC Scotland channels face closure David Brindley set to be named Channel 4 content chief Paramount completes Warner Bros. Discovery takeover to form Skydance National Magazine Day 2026 Radio 2 Apologises Guardian ends casual staff practice Prof. Brian Cox trades radio for digital Bidders revealed for Doctor Who Goalhanger brings ad sales in house Rachel Jupp becomes new BBC News chief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 2, 202648 min

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 London. All that plus: we catch up with British Podcast Awards winners, Channel 4's hunt for a programme boss goes to a photo finish... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we hand out some awards of our own. 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 audionetwork.com Recorded live at the Audio Academy Festival — thank you to the Audio Academy for having us. 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: Podmasters: we're nowhere near peak podcast MIDiA: Gen Z turn to radio for music discovery Brindley and Murphy in two-horse race for C4 content boss BBC deletes bare nails article Radio in the car: shock new figures Britten Thinks AI Dr Who 'Pretty Good' Channel 4 Chief Accepts Shows Will Appear on iPlayer Guardian to train journalists in content creation Laura's recommendations for the club: Cut for time, here's a few of Laura's excellent choices for the club. Go check them out! @Wyatt Dixon is someone whose work I really like. He does content but also has a Substack, and he’s a photographer too. And I think he’s adding something really positive to the conversation around men and masculinity. Really is in the work he does a counterbalance to some of the worst parts of the manosphere. Mimi, the music blogger Mimi has a great Substack focused on music journalism. What I really like is that she always connects the music back to lived experience, people and community. She gives the work context which makes her writing really engaging. Radge Magazine Radge Magazine is run by a woman based in Middlesbrough, and it has a really strong community focus. She talks openly about her working-class Northern upbringing and the political and social issues affecting her and her community. I like that she often makes those bigger issues really relatable - so what she says frequently is that a steak bake now costing £2.50 is radge. It’s a great example because it communicates something much bigger about the cost of living and how people experience it. Vicky Spratt Vicky Spratt is a journalist who did a series called The Gen Z Story for Goalhanger’s The Rest Is Politics , which I thought was excellent. It explained some of the issues facing Gen Z today in a way that was accessible to a wider audience. She also produces some great content independently and regularly features in The i Paper . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 25, 202646 min

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 latest salvo against the press sees him launch a YouTube channel, Piers Morgan gets an apology from Earl Spencer, Andy Burnham declares war on disinformation, the BBC blows the final whistle on its sports bulletins... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we learn how to get rich quick. 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: White House launches Trump TV on YouTube Burnham announces National Centre for Information Defence BBC to axe sports bulletins on its news channel Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan Kyle Sandilands to deliver an unforgettable keynote MipcomUK RIP Hearst returns to revenue growth Global Player offers ad-free subscriptions Disney+ Interupts Game For Ad Break Dealmakers with Alex Segal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 18, 202643 min

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 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.

September 11, 202643 min

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. 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.

August 28, 20261 hr 12 min

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 - 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.