The Media Club with Matt Deegan

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 Pushes Back On RegulationWondery Suddenly Drops Ad Sales On Big UK ShowIndependent on the upMatt Chorley Interviews Ed Davey On A Zip LineReach cuts (and Private Eye's take) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 FryPublisher of Delicious magazine ceases tradingRoyal cleaner stories removed by Times and Sun after authenticity questionsDubious PR agencies are bombarding journalists with fake content Channel 4 to mark Trump’s UK visit with ‘longest uninterrupted reel of untruths’Donald Trump files $15bn lawsuit against the New York TimesChannel 5 launches NFL Big Game Night Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 JobAI Startup Plans 5000 Podcasts at $1/epJournalists vs InfluencersOh, the glamour! Scott’s NTA behind the scenes articleJames Corden & Ruth Jones head to Apple TVSTV announces name of radio stationNew York Times adds new subs tier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 labelRoku’s New FAST ChannelsBBC Buys Apple TV+ Sitcom ‘Trying’Has Destination X been mistreated?Bragg QuitsPemberton to play RupertBlanchard uncloaked Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 announcedBen Frow takes swipe at Ian KatzWired drops AI articleReach Goes Down Under Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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.

**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.

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.

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.