The Media Club with Matt Deegan

SNL UK launches on Sky One as news emerges over the cost of production. Can the show defy the early critics? And what is Sky seeking to get from its extended run, beyond a repost from President Trump?Huw Edwards attacks the Channel 5 drama about his downfall - but the show pulls 1.5 million viewers anyway. Alex Hudson joins us to ask whether any sympathy is owed. Also: Matt Brittin becomes the BBC's 18th Director General - a Google man with no journalism experience. What does that mean for the corporation at the most critical moment in its history?And in Part Two, we sit down with Tom Price, Content Distribution Director at Roku, who's just launched five new ITV Studios FAST channels in the UK - and has thoughts on whether human curation is dead.All that plus: Edinburgh TV Festival picks its shortlist, Global Studios gets a new boss... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we visit the parallel universe where none of the news happened.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.comWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studioBecome 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:SNL Budget a rumoured £2m/episodeHuw Edwards' attacks Channel 4 dramaDonald Trump Reposts SNL UK Cold OpenPrince Harry case faces setbackMatt Brittin becomes new BBC DG TV Festival 2027 venue shortlist announcedCraig Hunter to head up Global StudiosGhosts Tops Adaptations HitlistStephen Colbert to enter the ShiresMr Benn MovieSora closed by OpenAI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Brittin is being lined up to replace Tim Davie at the BBC - but first, a speech, and a Culture Secretary with a parting gift. Media writer Kate Bulkley and Edelman's Karin Robinson decode a week in BBC politics.Also on the show: a new Policing and Media Charter promises journalists they can pick up the phone again - and Reach takes the BBC to task over local news dominance in its charter consultation response.All that plus: the BPG Award winners, the FCC's war on independent news - and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, it is time for the Weekend Update.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:Lisa Nandy signals to BBC that permenant charter is within reachDG Davie's Swansong speechPolice to have dedicated contact for journalistsReach accuses BBC of damaging local newsThe FCC and its war against independent newsBBC Asks Court To Throw Out Trump Case - as Trump cries AINew Partners Announced for Apple Podcast Video productSNL UK launches this Saturday. Can it make a splash?Sony Exits The OctopodDisney takes a pass on the Buffy reboot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Daily Telegraph has a new, new, new suitor - and it's Axel Springer, who has beaten the Daily Mail with a £575 million bid for Telegraph Media Group. Media historian Maggie Brown on what the new owners inherit.Also on the show: Banijay and All3Media announce an $8 billion mega-merger, creating the world's largest independent TV production group. Juan Delgado, CEO of Footballco, on what consolidation at this scale means for the industry.All that plus: the BBC's podcast deal for indies takes its first steps, FIFA OKs ads in World Cup hydration breaks, and in the Audio Network Media Quiz - Long Lost Revenue.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:Axel Springer to acquire Telegraph Media Group for £575mBanijay and All3Media merge in $8bn dealElis James and John Robins podcast goes commercial under BBC Audio Release PolicyFIFA to allow World Cup hydration break ads for broadcastersGB News losses narrow to £22m as revenue jumps 58%Podimo hires ex-Netflix, BBC and Disney execs in video pushPodBean switches off dynamic ad insertion in EuropeJunk food ad ban criticised as ineffective by health expertsMail on Sunday staff take the stand in Harry case Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All3Media and Banijay have merged to create an eight-billion-dollar independent production giant - and there are whispers that ITV Studios could be next on the menu. Media writer Tara Conlan takes stock.Also: Paramount Skydance beats Netflix in a marathon bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery. It's the biggest media merger in history - and the debt pile to match. Former Media Leader editor and now consultant Omar Oakes crunches the numbers.All that plus: News Corp reveals its two-word AI strategy. The BBC publishes its charter wishlist. And in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we put your bluffing skills to the test.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://www.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://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:All3Media and Banijay to mergeITV deal still in contention for Banijay tooParamount beats Netflix for Warner Bros -Newscorp's AI strategy: Woo & SueBBC’s Charter Renewal StrategyWPP's Advertising Intelligence Framework reportReach Digital Revenue DownKyle & Jackie O's $100m contract terminatedLovejoy To Get A RebootTelegraph Censured Over Fictional FamilyJournalists Replaced By Misleading AI writersEpstein Podcast is made entirely by AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just what went wrong on the BBC's BAFTA edit? And how did the afternoon unfold for audience members? Talent agent Alex Segal was in the room when it happened.Also on the show: the government moves to bring Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video under Ofcom regulation for the first time; Goalhanger tells TV commissioners they’ve got young audiences wrong; the Paramount vs Netflix bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery ratchets up; ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at the London Screenings; Peter Wright gives evidence in the Harry phone-hacking trial; Clive Dickens reports from the AI front line… and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play Slate or Fake — London TV Screenings edition.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:BAFTA's Tourette Incident Derails Awards Celebrations - and Alex's takeStreamers to come under Ofcom's jurisdiction Goalhanger chief says TV commissioners giving up on young audiencesBBC Studios eyeing acquisitions, Acast says it's conscious of ad loadParamount raises WBD bid to $31 a shareITV Studios launches Studio 55 at London ScreeningsDoctor Foster returns for final series with Suranne JonesFormer Mail on Sunday editor gives evidence in Harry phone-hacking trialVariety's Picks Of The WeekPolice media guidelines updated Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple Podcasts finally joins the video revolution — but is it too late to the party? Entertainment journalist Jamie East has the remote.Also on the show: Sky wants ITV — but does the deal still have legs? Broadcast’s senior reporter Heather Fallon has been following every twist.All that plus: The 1% Club conquers the world, the Broadcast Awards winners are in... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we wage war on the media landscape.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.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:Apple Podcasts embraces videoSKY-ITV talks reportedly slowing1% Club reaches new sales heights Broadcast Award winnersNandy Launches CMA Probe Into Telegraph Deal26% of UK Now Listen to Podcasts Weekly (RAJAR MIDAS)WBD Gives Paramount Seven Days to Make Best OfferMill Media expands to LeedsBBC Considers Opening Up iPlayerChannel 4 Brings YT Comedy Channel to Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Davie sends the Government a World Service ultimatum, as he claims funding runs out in seven weeks. Former Radio Academy CEO Paul Robinson tells us what’s at stake.Also on the show: Will Lewis abruptly exits the Washington Post - Priscilla Igwe, founder of The New Black Film Collective, on why independent journalism matters.All that plus: Disney strikes a deal with Sky, the editor of the Today Programme resigns, HBO Max announces its UK launch date... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we enter the world of dating shows.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:Tim Davie sends Govt a World Service ultimatumWill Lewis abruptly exits Washington Post Carole Cadwalladr’s message to departing WashPost staffDisney and Sky strike multi-year dealOwenna Griffiths resigns as Today Programme editorHBO Max UK launch date announcedPG Tips sponsors PopmasterSupercast acquired by Red Seat VenturesNew in-car campaign for European radio groupsZai Bennett’s Deadline interviewChannel 4’s Golden Age of BAME ProgrammingLouis Theroux launches Mindhouse StudiosGlobal launches Up To Speed F1 podcastGoalhanger launches The Book Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in Glasgow to see how broadcasters and indies are meeting the challenge of fragmentation - we speak to Bobby Hain and Graham Bryce about launching STV Radio - and we have STV Studios exec Paul Sheehan on their expanding portfolio.Also on this packed show: it’s Rajars week. How have stations across the country performed? Adam Bowie takes us through who’s up and down. All that plus: another new station is planned on BBC Sounds, we talk to Scottish firms Speccy Productions and The Development Network, both looking to buck the commissioning slowdown trend... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play... MediaMaster. 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.comThis Rajars special of The Media Club is in partnership with radio experts, the audio advertising specialist... bringing you a sound perspective.We 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:Washington Post announces mass layoffsMatt’s take on the Q4 Rajars - and Adam’s takeSaturday Night Live cast announcedScottish Podcast Awards launchMark Thompson buttonholedThe Grand Tour RebootsSignificant Productions LaunchedITV Announce In-Game Ads For Six Nations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by two execs that find their sectors converging on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Steve Ackerman speaks to his three decades at Somethin’ Else and then Sony Music Podcasts, whilst ITV Studio’s Martin Trickey tells us about his social agency label, Zoo55.Also on the show: Can news outlets survive Google’s AI Overview? The UK markets regulator may intervene - but will it be in time? All that plus: YouTube pulls out of Barb, Substack lands on TV... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, our guests defend themselves in my boardroom. 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:CMA wants a clear publisher opt out for AI OverviewsSubstack has launched a TV app YouTube Pulls Out Of BarbFuture Publishing Axes Consumer Tech JobsBBC Names Davie’s Exit Date and Interim DGGoalhanger Bags Minority InvestorMOTD ratings surge with new release strategyNigella becomes new Bake Off judgeTraitors - The Play? (and ratings news) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Harry vs Daily Mail: but as both sides bring robust arguments, could this one get messy? Journalist and TV producer Steven D Wright gets the popcorn out.Also on the show: the BBC agrees a deal with YouTube and Ofcom to produce content for the platform. TV critic Rhianna Dhillon explains the deal and what it means for your feed.All that plus: Channel 4 gets commercial, the Government throws a spanner in the Telegraph deal AGAIN... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we take on the gossip columnists. 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:Prince Harry testifies against the MailBBC to make content for YouTubeChannel 4 appoint their first in-house chiefLisa Nandy 'minded' to refer Mail/Telegraph deal to CMAPrue Leith to leave Bake OffAlan Rusbridger joins The New WorldJamie Laing hires former Amazon Podcast boss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goalhanger hits quarter of a million paying listeners, we speak exclusively to their Chief Revenue Officer about their strategy, and what it means for tv, radio and streamers across the sector.Also on the show: Banijay and All3Media are in talks to merge. But what do you call a superindie when it doubles in size?All that plus: Cathay Newman leaves Channel 4, Amol Rajan leaves Today ... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we look at the media properties with Grand Designs. 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 and Ollie Peart with post-production from Podcast Discovery.What The Media Club has been reading this week:Banijay and All3Media in merger talksGoogle believes it shouldn't pay for non-paywalled contentStephen Graham's prodco signs first look deal with Disney+Cathy Newman jumps ship to Sky NewsInteresting tie up between Global and ITV for a new lotteryMock The Week & Dara O'Brien return on TLCYouTube joins Barb - and upends the chartsGB News Consistently Beats BBC & Sky News in ratings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spotify announces big changes to its revenue machine and Global spends big on Gary Nevile’s network.... Lots of podcast upheaval, but are podcasts at risk of losing money through a bad actor? Thomas Curry, exec at BBC Studios, takes us through the week’s deals.Also on the show: should we spend double what we do for the World Service? And should the Government pay for it? Rebecca Cooney from Broadcast tells us more.All that plus: who is playing Huw Edwards in the new Channel 5 drama? What changes are being made at Virgin Radio... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we rundown the biggest charts of the year.. 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:Global Buys Gary Nevile's Podcast Network The OverlapSpotify launches video podcast API for rival publishersThe podcast app stripping ads from your contentWorld Service negotiations Martin Clunes IS Huw Edwards Virgin Radio schedule changesMost Watched & Streamed Shows Of 2025BBC Sounds Top Shows of 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there any merit to Donald Trump’s case against the BBC? And can the corporation get it dismissed before the legal costs rack up? Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor at Press Gazette tells us the latest.Also on the show: the Oscars head to YouTube. What does the multi-year deal mean for broadcast television? Journalist and all-round digital media maven Alex Hudson makes sense of it for us.All that plus: DMG counts its pennies ahead of the Telegraph sale, the Government debates the BBC’s future... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we’re playing Schedule This. 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:We're Up To $10bn... Oscars Heading To YouTubeGovt Launches BBC Green PaperAudio industry celebrates a seat on Creative Industries CouncilTelegraph money securedSky Q "unpluggedWBD rejects Paramount Skydance’s ‘illusory’ offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the biggest media deal for a decade - or maybe not, if Paramount gets their way. How does this affect consumers, cinema goers... and all of us, really? Faraz Osman, MD at indie Gold Wala joins me to discuss a seismic week in the media.Also on the show: how do you make a documentary about the enigma that is Nick Cave? Filmmaker Mike Christie joins us to discuss his new documentary... and how Red Bull’s jump from space changed branded content forever.All that plus: Disney invests in OpenAI, Eurovision implodes... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we bring you up to date in the media transfer window. 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:Netflix Buys Warner BrosParamount's hostile bidA History Of Warner DealsGolden Globes Inaugural Podcast Nominees AnnouncedSteve Ackerman To Leave Sony PodcastsEmile Nawagamuwa Christmas CampaignMike’s Documentary: Nick Cave’s Veiled WorldGogglebox Goes To HollywoodNigel Warner to replace John McVay at PACTChannel 4's New Chair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.