
The Media Club with Matt Deegan
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2025 • 51min
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 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 MasterchefBBC's revenues are up to highest everBut licence fee payers down 300k Bob Mortimer returnsJonathan Miller, RIPMillionaire Spin Off Comes To ITVBBC's Highest Paid Journalists - the numbers are inAdolescence Picks Up 13 Emmy Nominations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
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 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 decadeGreg Wallace preempts BBC reportBBC Clause in Gaza Doc contractAudio UK’s petition to DCMSGoogle AI Overview overview updateGiant Ball format in developmentAvalon reboot Spitting Image for YouTubeFirst AI ad launched on Channel 4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 4, 2025 • 44min
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.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 TrumpParamount Layoffs Hit UK As MTV Axes ‘Gonzo’ & ‘Fresh Out’Tony Blackburn slams Ofcom’s Radio 2 decisionSquid Games breaks more recordsBBC to charge US audiences for news accessPay TV decline to hit sports rights holders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 2025 • 44min
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 over Gaza coverage, the Washington Post upgrades the right to reply... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we look at three brands that are breaking records.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:CMA to force Google's handVertical DramasBBC staff voice discontent over Gaza coveragePolitics Joe place new video series behind paywallWashington Post launches From The SourceITV Daytime Moves To A Surprising New LocationUK Adults Spend More Time On Phones Than TVRadio Myths Busted On Indie PodcastJournalist Develops TikTok app for reporters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 20, 2025 • 40min
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 their chances of survival? Campaign’s UK editor Maisie McCabe is down the line from Cannes.And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we give three more stories a comedy treatment.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:Kate Phillips becomes BBC's top content chiefSelf-serve ads coming to TVNetflix goes linear in FranceEdinburgh TV Festival’s Small Indie Bursary - apply now!John McVay steps down Zoe Ball & Jo Whiley podcastJilly Cooper Bemused by Intimacy Coordinator roleNew IT News Site May Be AI Generated Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 13, 2025 • 47min
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 more details of their split, whilst Netflix invests in Spain...And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, Matt becomes Professor Brian Cox. 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 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:Influencers overtake traditional media in ad revenueWarner Bros Discovery announce breakup plansNetflix planning $1bn in Spanish programmingGuardian launches new secure messaging serviceDisney nabs ITV’s unscripted chiefBFI claims 130,000 TV & Film scripts trained AIJamie Laing rebrand podcastRadio X creates ‘beer-proof parkas’(00:00) - Hellos(00:53) - Michael Savage's Media Club Invite(02:03) - Jake Warren's Media Club Invite(04:13) - Influencers Earning More than Broadcasters(10:14) - YouTube and Podcasting(11:41) - The Top 5 Companies Providing Ad Revenue(12:55) - Warner Brothers Discovery Splitting Company(18:40) - Netflix Announces $1b funding for Spanish Originals(25:46) - The Guardian's Encrypted App(28:20) - News Platforms and Podcasts(35:52) - Should We Worry About AI?(38:33) - The Audio Network Quiz(45:45) - Goodbyes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 2025 • 50min
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 Disney and Business Insider... And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we look at some life hacks... for media hacks. That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!Mic's book, Breaking: How the Media Works, When it Doesn't and Why it Matters: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Media-Works-Doesnt-Matters/dp/1785121367The 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.com A 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:Lords fight back over copyright wavers for AI Tim Davie outlines charter renewal wishlist Job cuts round-up: Disney & Business Insider. Adolescence reaches no.2 in Netflix most watchedThe New European becomes The New WorldWayne Garvie lets ripChannel 4’s NDA problemGerry Adams beats BBC in courtClint Eastwood denies doing interview(00:00) Welcome(00:39) Mic on Ben Lowry(02:17) Will on Rupert Majendie(03:32) Tim Davie - BBC VC(10:10) AI Data Bill(16:34) Business Insider(22:33) Podcast Discovery(23:00) Podshop Studios(23:54) News in brief(24:48) New European(27:10) Mic's Book - Breaking(41:20) Audio Network Media Quiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 30, 2025 • 45min
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... we channel Jimmy Carr.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 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:Alan Yentob RIP The Telegraph saga is overPaul Robinson is open to offersLineker leaves BBCDoctor Who to be rested?BBC Creative Director latestWill Channel 5 nab darts and snooker rights from ITV?South London Press shuts after 160 yearsNetflix launches original podcast from BBC StudiosDisney+ to stream UEFA Women’s Champions Leaguepodscan_bJzTkN2iL6dVtfsr8XzvqUtWfoZ3YvY4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 2025 • 36min
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 what the corporation could have done differently.And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play matchmaker.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 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:What The Media Club has been reading this week:ITV slashes daytime schedule STV plans expansion including a new radio stationBBC Studios restructurePaul Foot winners - congratulations, Josh!Channel 4 plans third party investment ahead of in-house launch - more gossip here - and their annual reportLineker to leave BBC after MOTD this weekend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 • 38min
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 numbers, as well as his revolution at the station.On the red carpet we speak to Angela Scanlon, Alastair Campbell, team Goalhanger, Jon Holmes, David Olusoga, Ken Bruce and many, many more.And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we’re celebrating some other big winners of the week.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 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 MEDIA CLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Deadline’s deep dive into the rumoured ITV acquisitionAudible unveils plans to use AI voices to narrate audiobooksMail’s ‘Eliza’ brand ditches website ahead of AI asteroid BBC to expand Local Journalism fund and grow content on YouTube & TikTokITV wins a special BAFTAUK SNL handed a short run Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.