The Media Club with Matt Deegan

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

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/

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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