

The Media Club with Matt Deegan
Rethink Audio
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2025 • 44min
Friends Leaves Netflix, Just As Streamers Embrace ‘Windowing’
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 offeringContent London GossipYouTube growth down to older viewersWhy the Next DG Will Come From OutsideFire At Radio ScotlandBBC Plans Remote Commentary For Some World Cup MatchesNew In Our Time Host AnnouncedJungle show swearing faux pas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 2025 • 51min
Another Telegraph Sale Twist - And Are There Too Many Studios?
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.

Nov 21, 2025 • 45min
Disney’s AI Gamble, MediaCity & Substack Growth
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 CaseBritish Sales Top $1bn to US for first timeThe Rest Is Science launchesKelvin MacKenzie in Shock Guardian Praise Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 2025 • 52min
Should The BBC Pay Trump? (And 101 Other Questions)
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, obvsIs Your Podcast Netflix-Ready?Disney vs YouTube in carriage warsTikTok Radio Is A Thing Now Daily Mail leans into The Crime Desk brand for podcasts and TikTokITV partners with TikTok for ads on tentpole brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 2025 • 40min
Is The BBC Heading For Disaster?
In this discussion, journalist Jane Martinson, a Guardian columnist and member of the Scott Trust, teams up with Paul Robinson, a former BBC executive and broadcast consultant. They dive into the BBC's current trajectory and its struggle to connect with younger audiences, suggesting the need for radical change to avoid going down with the Titanic. Jane also tackles recent blunders by The Times, highlighting the pressures and pitfalls faced by newsrooms in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Oct 31, 2025 • 46min
Disney’s Doctor Who Era Is Over, Zandland & Sora 2
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 potential owner to China’s PolitburoClaudia Winkleman’s Chat ShowSpotify Video Comes To TV in app rebootCoogan Hacked Off By SettlementLegal Action Begins Against Mindhouse Over DocPodcast loses major sponsor after interview with Bob Vylan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24, 2025 • 42min
Tess & Claudia Wrongfoot The Media and Leave Strictly
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? Ofcom keeps politicians as presenters ruleDAZN’s Champion’s League BidGlobal’s Upfronts Reveal More CommissionsChannel 4’s new news podcastsChannel 4's AI Prank100 Choices Coming To The USSTV Radio launches podcast ahead of stationMatt’s Take on the RAJARsAlex’s Substack: Dealmakers: https://intertalent.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 17, 2025 • 39min
What’s Hot At MIPCOM: Video Games, Anime & Being Friendly
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 John Oliver Slams CBS For Bari Weiss AppointmentMost News Publishers Dropped Down Google This YearMarc Maron ends WTFSNL UK 'should be the endgame'Rebecca Frank To Leave KISS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 2025 • 35min
Fellas Go Global, Guardian Pivots, Paddington Sues
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 dronesSky Nabs Macfadden ComedyPaddington Sues 'Paddington'AI Presenters to Host Music Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 2025 • 30min
British Podcast Awards 2025
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 TitleDiversity In TV Advertising Takes A DipClickthrough Rate Increases When You Do A Deal With OpenAI, ReportHERA, The UK’s First Female-Founder Video Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


