The Media Club with Matt Deegan
News & Politics
About
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...
Episodes
- Richard Bacon: Formats Geek
Richard Bacon is featured on The Media Club to talk about his new podcast, 'Why Are You More Successful Than Me?'. The episode additionally explores challenges to press freedom and media industry updates.
- Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up
This episode explores format fever, Sky's strategic changes, and the evolving creator economy, including BBC and NBC's global format, Sky News's redefined newsroom, and shifts at The Ankler, Patreon, iHeartMedia, and SiriusXM. It features…
- YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up
This episode of The Media Club covers YouTube's entry into audio ads, Channel 4's strategic review, and mergers and acquisitions in the TV sector. Guests include Karin Robinson and David Mortimer.
- 8 Out Of 10, Katz?
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan discusses Ian Katz leaving Channel 4, up to 2,000 job cuts at the BBC, and director Simon Draper's documentary on the TV industry's job crisis. Other topics include Gary Neville, Trump's libe…
- Sky’s £16m SNL Bet
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan discusses the launch of SNL UK on Sky One, including its production costs and critical reception. It also covers Huw Edwards' comments on a Channel 5 drama and Matt Brittin's appointment as B…
- The Brittin's Empire - New DG Set To Be Announced
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan discusses Matt Brittin potentially replacing Tim Davie at the BBC. It also covers a new Policing and Media Charter and Reach's concerns about the BBC's local news dominance. The show touches…
- Telegraph Deal Take #4... and are you World Cup Ready?
Axel Springer has made a £575 million bid for the Telegraph Media Group. Also, Banijay and All3Media have announced an $8 billion merger. FIFA will also allow ads during World Cup hydration breaks.
- Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back
This episode of The Media Club covers the merger of All3Media and Banijay, Paramount Skydance acquiring Warner Bros Discovery, News Corp's AI strategy, and the BBC's charter wishlist. Industry experts Tara Conlan and Omar Oakes provide ana…
- That BAFTA edit, Mip London & AI Updates
This episode of The Media Club discusses the BBC's BAFTA edit, government regulation of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ by Ofcom, and various AI updates. It also covers topics such as Goalhanger's insights on young audiences, t…
- Apple Podcasts Pivots To Video, 1% Club Goes Global
This episode of The Media Club covers Apple Podcasts' move into video, the potential Sky-ITV deal, and The 1% Club's global success. It also includes discussions on the Broadcast Awards and other media news.
- Is The World Service In Crisis?
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan discusses the BBC World Service funding crisis, Will Lewis's departure from the Washington Post, and independent journalism. It also covers a deal between Disney and Sky, and HBO Max's UK lau…
- Scottish Media In Focus and a Rajars Special
This episode of The Media Club focuses on Scottish media, featuring discussions with broadcasters and indies, and insights into STV Radio. The episode also includes a Rajars special, examining the performance of radio stations across the c…
- Convergence Is King
This episode of The Media Club discusses media convergence on platforms like Spotify and YouTube with guests Steve Ackerman of Sony Music Podcasts and Martin Trickey of ITV Studio’s Zoo55. The hosts also explore how news outlets are impact…
- Prince Harry In Court, BBC on YouTube, Channel 4 Studios
This episode of The Media Club discusses Prince Harry's court case against the Daily Mail, the BBC's agreement to produce content for YouTube, and developments with Channel 4 Studios. It also touches on other media news and a media quiz.
- Goalhanger Breaks New Records, Superindies Plan Merger
This episode discusses Goalhanger Media reaching 250,000 paying listeners and the potential merger of Banijay and All3Media. It also covers Cathay Newman's move to Sky News and Amol Rajan's departure from the Today program.
- Spotify’s Changes And What They Mean For You
This episode of The Media Club discusses Spotify's revenue changes, Global's acquisition of Gary Neville's network, and funding for the World Service. Guests include Thomas Curry from BBC Studios and Rebecca Cooney from Broadcast. They als…
- $10bn And Counting
This episode of The Media Club discusses Donald Trump's case against the BBC and the implications of the Oscars moving to YouTube. It also covers the government's debate on the BBC's future.
- Netflix Digs Deep For Warner As Paramount Fights Back
This episode of The Media Club discusses Netflix's acquisition of Warner, Paramount's opposing bid, and the potential effects on consumers and the media landscape. It also covers a documentary about Nick Cave and the influence of Red Bull…
- Friends Leaves Netflix, Just As Streamers Embrace ‘Windowing’
This episode of The Media Club discusses HBO Max pulling Friends from Netflix and the return of content windowing. It also covers Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic and Acast's new deal with YouTube.
- Another Telegraph Sale Twist - And Are There Too Many Studios?
This episode of The Media Club discusses the agreement by The Mail to buy The Telegraph and the implications of numerous new studio constructions for the film and TV industry. It also covers other media news, including Michael Prescott fac…
- Disney’s AI Gamble, MediaCity & Substack Growth
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan discusses Disney+ AI plans, the impact of MediaCity on suppliers, and Substack growth. Guests Stuart Morgan and Cat Lewis join to analyze these and other media news topics, including recent d…
- Should The BBC Pay Trump? (And 101 Other Questions)
This episode of The Media Club discusses the BBC following Tim Davie's departure, the potential sale of ITV's broadcasting arm to Sky, and a dispute between YouTube and Disney. The episode also features a media quiz.
- Is The BBC Heading For Disaster?
This episode of The Media Club discusses the future of the BBC, considering criticisms and potential changes. Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson offers insights, and journalist Jane Martinson talks about The Times' recent blunders. The epi…
- Disney’s Doctor Who Era Is Over, Zandland & Sora 2
This episode of The Media Club covers Disney+ ending its Doctor Who partnership, an interview with documentary maker Ben Zand, and a discussion on Sora 2 and AI's impact on media. The hosts also examine candidates for the BBC's next mega-f…
- Tess & Claudia Wrongfoot The Media and Leave Strictly
This episode discusses Tess and Claudia's departure from Strictly Come Dancing and explores potential replacements. It also examines the evolving role of talent agencies in the digital world and the likelihood of a Warner Brothers Discover…
- What’s Hot At MIPCOM: Video Games, Anime & Being Friendly
This episode of The Media Club covers discussions from MIPCOM, including trends in video games and anime. It also features insights from Tara Conlan and Thomas Curry on podcast deals, TikTok content, and Channel 4's growth.
- Fellas Go Global, Guardian Pivots, Paddington Sues
This episode of The Media Club covers Global's acquisition of The Fellas Studios, the Guardian's digital strategy changes, and a potential lawsuit involving Paddington Bear. The hosts also discuss Celebrity Traitors and current television…
- British Podcast Awards 2025
The Media Club with Matt Deegan episode focuses on the British Podcast Awards 2025. It includes interviews with winners like Carl Miller and Coco Kahn, and nominees from Audio Always, Hera, and Rory Cellan-Jones, discussing various aspects…
- Kimmel's Return, YouTuber Mortgages & Bedtime Stories
Miranda Sawyer and Matt Deegan discuss media challenges, including the impact of Trump's presidency and advertising trends. They also cover YouTuber mortgages and other media news. Jane Ostler from Kantar shares Media Reactions data.
- LHF Ban, RTS Cambridge and FT Drama
This episode of The Media Club covers the Less Healthy Food advertising ban, news from the RTS Cambridge convention, and a new Financial Times film starring Stephen Fry. Guests include TV consultant Stephen Arnell, Press Gazette UK editor…
- Are Journalists Now Influencers Too?
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan delves into whether journalists are becoming influencers, featuring insights from Alex Hudson and media critic Scott Bryan. The discussion also covers various media industry updates, includin…
- Who’s Buying? Commissioners And Superindies In The Spotlight
Steven D Wright, journalist and TV producer, discusses why superindies are reluctant to invest in new ideas. Chloe Straw, chief executive of Audio UK, provides insights into the audio sector, including changes at Wondery and strategies for…
- Was This The Bitchiest TV Festival Ever?
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan features a special on the Edinburgh International TV Festival. Discussions include Netflix and Channel 4, along with insights and gossip from the conference. The episode also covers the new L…
- Ofcom's Cristina Nicolotti Squires on PSB promience
Cristina Nicolotti Squires from Ofcom joins Matt Deegan to discuss the public service media review and the importance of PSB prominence on platforms such as YouTube. They also touch on media literacy and regulatory challenges faced concern…
- Wallace, BBC Studios Profits and Media's AI Future
Rina Dayalji discusses issues in the media industry, including the BBC’s Masterchef scandal. Clive Dickens shares insights on how AI will change media. The BBC's annual report indicates healthy profits for its commercial arm.
- Gay Times: Where Readers Become Investors
Tag Warner, CEO of the Gay Times, discusses their readership share scheme. The episode also covers Google’s AI Overview and a legal challenge from publishers, along with other media news.
- BBC Gaza Row & YouTubers And Podcasters Seek New Status
This episode of The Media Club discusses the BBC Gaza row and why YouTubers and podcasters are seeking government recognition. Guests include Tim Burrowes from Unmade Media and Karin Robinson from Edelman. The episode also features the Aud…
- Beyond Google Search: Finding Today's Consumers
This episode of The Media Club discusses the impact of changes to Google's algorithm on publishers, and examines the potential of vertical dramas. It also covers recent media news.
- New BBC Chief, Cannes Lions and Netflix Goes Linear
This episode of The Media Club covers the appointment of Kate Phillips as the BBC's creative lead, the trend of broadcasters targeting small businesses with self-serve TV ads, and the threat of AI to creatives at Cannes Lions. It also touc…
- How Influencers Stole Broadcasters' Ad Money
This episode of The Media Club discusses how influencers and podcasters have overtaken traditional broadcasters in ad revenue. Michael Savage and Jake Warren contribute to the conversation, which also covers Warner Brothers Discovery, Netf…
- Newsroom Ethics and Tim Davie’s Wish List
This episode of The Media Club discusses newsroom ethics with journalist Mic Wright, the BBC's plans for charter renewal, and updates on AI copyright, job cuts at Disney and Business Insider, and the Audio Network Media Quiz.
- Indies: Do Not Fear C4 And The Big Studios
Derek Drennan, founder of Nest Productions, discusses the relationship between independent production companies and larger entities like Channel 4. The episode also pays tribute to Alan Yentob and examines the sale of The Telegraph.
- ITV Cuts Loose: How Daytime Lost Its Lure
This episode of The Media Club discusses ITV's budget cuts for daytime programming and Channel 4's investment in independent production. Broadcast reporter Heather Fallon provides insights into these changes, while TV critic Scott Bryan an…
- ARIAS 2025, RAJARs & Radio 3's Renaissance
This episode of The Media Club covers the ARIAS awards, the latest RAJARs figures, and an interview with BBC Radio 3 controller Sam Jackson about changes at the station. It also features interviews with various media personalities on the r…
- Why The New Tariff Threat Can't Turn Back Time
Peter Fincham, former BBC1 and ITV controller, discusses his new podcast, 'Insiders,' which covers the TV industry. Media writer Tara Conlan also offers her assessment of the potential risks to the TV and film sector due to President Trump…
- Politico: 10 Years In Europe... and a big C4 departure
Politico's senior executive editor, Kate Day, discusses the newsletter publisher. Alex Mahon is set to leave Channel 4, and Jake Kanter discusses what this means. The episode also covers interviews from the BAFTA TV Craft Awards.
- Sham Experts, Luxury Podcasts & Radio 2 vs Ofcom
The Media Club discusses the credibility of experts in media, the launch of a new podcast, and Ofcom's decision regarding Radio 2. Also featured are updates on the Crossed Wires podcast festival.
- How To Grow And Sell Your Media Business
Mark Browning, CEO of Zinc Media Group, provides insights on securing investment for a media business. The episode also examines the BBC's annual report, addressing its competition with streaming services, and other media news.
- No News Is Good News (For Google)
This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan examines Google's claim that its search business would be fine without news sites. It also covers news regarding BBC Studios, Bauer, and Apple TV+, and discusses a dropped market investigatio…
- This Podcast Was Shot In One Take*
This episode of The Media Club features a discussion on the TV sector with Iain Coyle, covers the secrets behind "Adolescence," and examines the broader impact of a potential Voice Of America closure. The podcast also includes a Media Quiz…