The Media Club with Matt Deegan Another Telegraph Sale Twist - And Are There Too Many Studios?
Nov 28, 2025
Join journalist Adam MacQueen, known for his sharp insights in Private Eye, and Cara Kotschy, co-founder of the post-production powerhouse Residence Pictures, as they dive into the unexpected twists of the Daily Mail's Telegraph bid. Adam raises eyebrows about the finances behind the deal, while Cara shares her concerns over the absence of new tax credits for the film industry amidst a boom in studio construction. They also discuss the implications of UK studio expansion and the pressing need for skilled crews in a changing media landscape.
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Mail-Telegraph Deal Changes Market Balance
- The Mail buying the Telegraph would concentrate four major daily titles under one owner, shifting the competitive landscape.
- Adam Macqueen warns the key issue is unclear financing and offshore structures behind the bid, not just competition law.
Financing, Not Editorial Fit, Is The Major Risk
- The central worry about the bid is where the money comes from and possible use of offshore or state-linked funds.
- Macqueen highlights transactions within Rothermere-related offshore entities that raise transparency and credit concerns.
Digital Platforms Redraw Competition Lines
- Competition arguments over print ownership are weakening because news consumption is now global and digital.
- Cara Kotschy notes platforms like Meta and TikTok now capture large shares of news attention, changing the definition of market power.
