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The Media Club with Matt Deegan
The End of Newsnight? Paper domination and YouTube's pod move
Is the end nigh for Newsnight? Ratings continue to slide, budgets about to be cut, and they’ve just lost their editor. So what's next for the flagship news show? Media news and analysis with Alex Hudson (Newsweek) and broadcast consultant Paul Robinson.
Also on the programme, a new report show's that just three publishers dominate newspapers, but really, does it matter?
And there's big news from big streamers with YouTube announcing new channels and platforms, while Netflix subscriptions have slowed.
All that, plus in the media quiz... we guess the mystery voice (of news).
A Rethink Audio production, produced by Ollie Peart with support from Matt Hill
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300. Are Film Crews At Breaking Point?
47:18||Ep. 300Long hours and broken turnarounds... are TV and film crews being squeezed to breaking point? Plus film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon joins us to look at the issue - and how the Oscars’ TV show is still searching for a younger audience.Also on the programme: City AM is one of the last freesheets standing. Editor Christian May is here to reveal its staying power.All that plus: the BBC gets another grilling from MPs, Channel 4 News gets caught up in the Gaza doc controversy... and, in the Media Quiz, our pundits try to score a perfect ten.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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:Tim Davie 'open minded' about streamer levy in MP grillingChannel 4 also features Hamas minister's son in Gaza doc BECTU campaigns for more rest breaksPaul Marshall Floats Jounalism School to rivalsTelegraph pays £10/pic for social media picturesScrabble to become a TV Game ShowLeft Bank revenues dive post-Crown299. Charlotte Moore resigns - what does it mean for the BBC?
40:57||Ep. 299Charlotte Moore resigns from the BBC, kickstarting a flurry of changes at some big indies. Chris Curtis, editor of Broadcast Magazine, takes us through what it all means... and who’s in the running for the BBC’s top creative role.Also on the programme: how is 5 News bucking the trend and growing its audience? Reporter Warren Nettleford tells us more.And why do audio paywalls work in Europe... but less so in the UK? We find out from Podimo’s Jake Chudnow.Become 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 MEDIA CLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Charlotte Moore to leave BBC for SonyBBC Report into WestwoodTortoise to takeover Observer from Easter Sunday5 News editor piece in Press GazetteBen Frow feature in BroadcastWashpo Opinion Editor resigns over Bezos decreeObserver confirms takeover datePodimo reaches 1m paying subscribersNeighbours Axed (again)James Bond Takeover CompleteAmazon open to scripted co-prosCHAPTERS:(00:00) Intro(00:44) Media Club Inductees(03:29) Charlotte Moore's BBC Exit(10:54) BBC's Tim Westwood Report(16:26) Channel 5 News' Resurgence (21:58) The Week's Media Headlines(23:10) Podimo's 1 Million Subscribers (29:28) Warren Nettleford's New Audio Production Company (35:13) The Media Quiz298. Where’s The Next Big TV Hit Coming From?
42:39||Ep. 298Alex Smith drops in to discuss bringing the final series of Big Boys to Channel 4, and what’s coming next for Rough Cut and the wider TV market as London prepares for its first Mip London.Jim Waterson’s also here to celebrate the success of London Centric, his Substack newsroom for local journalism. With thousands paying for access, we’ll ask why wouldn’t journalists turn their back on legacy media?Also on the programme: we find out why James Murdoch has been a little indiscreet, preview the first ever MIP London... and, in the Media Quiz, we look at some unbroadcastable media moments.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!Become 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 MEDIA CLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.ukWhat The Media Club has been reading this week:Deadline’s MIPcom London previewJames Murdoch rare interview delivers the goodsBBC stops music radio streams internationallyNews and current affairs magazine ABCs 2024BBC begins £6.8m tender process for BBCS formatsSeries of new Irish digital radio stations with ‘existing & new content offerings’ set to be launched in coming weeksBBC asked to remove Gaza documentary over narrator’s father’s ties to HamasTrump jokes cut from BAFTA broadcastGuardian signs licensing deal with ChatGPT owner OpenAIBauer Media launches Bridget Jones Radio pop-up station297. Will Netflix Pivot To Podcasts?
45:44||Ep. 297Channel 4 reveals their new drama slate. Heat magazine’s Boyd Hilton takes us through the ambitious line-up.Also on the programme: as Bradford’s year as city of culture continues, Lisa Campbell joins us to talk about the upcoming Creative Cities Convention, where she has just taken over as director.All that, plus: why Netflix might be turning to podcasts for growth, the BBC provides evidence that AI can’t summarise news stories... and, in the Media Quiz... we look at the reboots. That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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:Get Creative Cities Convention TicketsChannel 4's new drama slateChatbots Can't Summarise News Stories, BBC findsNetflix Eyeing Up Podcasts‘Big Mood’ Renewed For Season 2 At Channel 4BBC Podcast ‘How Do You Cope?’ Switches To WonderyBBC Presenter Banned from Hinge For Being HimselfChapters:(00:00) Intro(00:42) Media Club Guest Invites: A A Dhand - Harry Virdee(04:40) Media Club Guest Invites: Mike White - The White Lotus(07:50) Jack Thorne New Show(09:10) Channel 4 Announcements(11:30) Funding for Drama(14:38) Netflix Top 10(15:25) AI and the News(22:05) Netflix Video Podcasts(30:32) Bradford Creative Cities Convention(35:52) Pilot TV(36:56) Best TV shows to be watching right now(40:15) The Media Quiz(44:57) Goodbyes296. RAJAR Week, Celebrity Traitors & What's Next for Kay Burley?
37:48||Ep. 296In the club today: it’s RAJARs week - analyst Adam Bowie is here to run the numbers for the radio industry.Also on the programme: as the BBC celebrates record viewing figures for The Traitors... what can we expect from the celebrity version? Megan Carver (Carver PR) reveals the runners and riders.All that, plus: The Sun’s rebuilding its paywall... and, in The Media Quiz, we say farewell to some big names (for now) including Kay Burley and Richard McKerrow.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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:Matt's and Adam's blogs on the RAJARsThe Sun launches £1.99 paywallThe Sun’s Celebrity Traitors line-upFT policy chief warns MPs watered-down copyright regime for AI is ‘huge mistake’ITV and All3Media owner in production merger talksKay Burley announces retirementRichard McKerrow exits Love ProductionsPersephonica Nabs BBC Sounds CommissionerChapters:(00:00) Intro(00:37) Media Club Guest Invites: Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz & Barunka O'Shaughnessy - Amandaland(01:43) Media Club Guest Invite: Naga Munchetty(04:19) Radio Listening Figures & New Stations(08:09) Speech Stations & Morning Radio(10:59) Celebrity Radio Interviews(11:54) Radio Efficiency(13:12) Global Regional Stations Disappearing(18:23) The Bad News from RAJAR (22:25) The Sun's Monthly Subscription - Sun Club(27:33) The Celebrity Traitors(32:20) The Media Quiz(37:09) Goodbyes295. Is ITV’s Hacking Drama The Next Mr Bates?
39:33||Ep. 295Just as News UK wraps up its court battles... ITV announces a new drama all about them, starring Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger. Media writer Tara Conlan tells us more.Also on the programme: The toxic world of the comedy industry is back in the headlines - writer and broadcaster Julia Raeside joins us on the member’s sofa to discuss the last few years, and her new book, Don’t Make Me Laugh.All that, plus: should we follow Europe’s lead and raise a broadcasting levy on streamers? That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!Become 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.Further Reading:Pre-Order Julia’s BookITV commissions phone hacking drama130 jobs to go at World ServiceShould there be a streamer levy? (a bit like France?)Superbowl AdsTNT Replaces EurosporttalkSPORT Goes FASTChapters:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Media Club Guest Invite: Alex Mahon(04:30) Media Club Guest Invite: Mrs Justice Dias(06:05) New ITV Tony Jones Phone Hacking Drama(11:24) BBC World Service to Cut Jobs(17:40) Next On Netflix Recap(20:15) Budgets and Funding(23:52) TV Licence Fee for Netflix(27:07) Julia Raeside's New Book(29:17) Me Too Movement in Comedy(33:10) FFS: Video Podcast Substack(35:25) The Media Quiz(38:38) GoodbyesWe record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIA CLUB at podshoponline.co.uk294. Did Prince Harry Win?
47:58||Ep. 294Prince Harry settles with News Group Newspapers. Is that finally the end of the phone hacking saga? And has the press learned its lesson? Will Wood, head of PR firm Multitude Media, reflects on over a decade of trials and inquiries.Also on the programme: could Mr Beast buy TikTok? Jake Kanter, Investigations Editor at Deadline, reflects on a week of turmoil at the Chinese social media firm.All that, plus: what happens when a TV production loses its star talent during filming? We look at the big trouble in Big Talk’s latest show with Noel Fielding.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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:Prince Harry settles with The SunMr Beast eyes up TikTok USHeadache for Big Talk as Noel Fielding Drops OutBBC's AI Guidelines are trailedNetflix increases prices in North AmericaAlamy Bills Journalist For Posting His Own StoryChapters(00:00) Intro(00:39) Guest Media Club Invites(05:40) Prince Harry settles phone hacking case(09:40) The tension between tabloids and celebrities(13:45) Will newspapers change how they report on Prince Harry?(18:50) TikTok shutdown and Mr. Beast purchase(26:47) Trump going for media(30:54) The BBC's policies on AI use(35:46 Noel Fielding drops out of Dick Turpin(42:19) The Media Quiz(46:15) Goodbyes293. Scotland Takes Aim At Traitors
41:51||Ep. 293In the club today - when does Out Of London actually mean... London? Rebecca Cooney, Insight Editor at Broadcast looks at the curious row that’s dominating Scottish TV this week.Also on the programme: wildfires across LA cause havoc for Hollywood. Karin Robinson, Senior Director of Strategy at Edelman explaisn the effect it will have on production.All that, plus: just when it looked like David Montgomery had left the stage... has he got a new media plaything in London Live? That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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:When 'Regional' Means 'London' - how The Traitors has stoked a big row over Scotland and the BBCLA Fires impact BAFTA, Oscars and wider productionLondon Live to close - and is there a return for Montgomery? Timothee Chalamet arrives on red carpet on a Lime bike at London premiere of A Complete UnknownThe real-life Rivals: inside the TV franchise battles of the 1980sMatch Of The Day hosts announcedNew Local Paper for LondonDate Set For New Radio 2 Schedule Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:48) Lila Shapiro & Neil Gaiman Allegations(03:06) Jane Featherstone on Drama and AI(04:17) Traitors Scottish Crew issue(09:41) LA Wildfires Effects on Production(11:26) Will Trump Support LA & California(12:41) Will The Wildfires Effect Award Season(14:18) Timothée Chalame Arriving on Lime Bike(15:41) Traitors Leicester Square Billboard(16:47) London Live Ending & Local TV(22:03) TikTok Shutdown in the US(24:50) Trump's Inauguration & Tech CEOs(26:50) YouTube's Biggest News Brands(30:44) The Media Quiz(40:22) Goodbyes292. The End Of Fact Checking?
45:09||Ep. 292Meta removes fact checking from Facebook: Journalist and digital native Alex Hudson looks at what it means for news organisations.Also on the programme: Global scraps regional radio and Bauer buys Clear Channel... and why is sport suddenly the streamers’ new focus? Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson looks at recent deals by DAZoNe and Disney.All that, plus: Hollywood dramas in podcast form - Goldhawk Productions chief John Dryden talks about the explosion in demand for audio fiction.That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!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.ukThe Media Club’s stories of the week:Meta removes fact-checkersBBC local radio showed 'systemic failure' on night of disorderGlobal Announces Nations StrategyBauer Buys ClearChannel EuropePiers leaves News UKApple News AI Update Goes WonkyBeast Games gets half of Squid Games’ ReachEastenders Goes InteractiveChapters:(00:00) Hello!(00:51) Shanaz Gulzar - Creative Director at Bradford 2025(01:50) Tony Chambers - President of Disney EMEA(03:05) Mark Zuckerberg changes fact-checking to community notes(08:59) Bauer buys Clear Channel Outdoor Europe(15:08) Global ending local and regional radio(18:25) Streaming platforms getting into live sports(25:32) BBC projects stuck in soft green light(28:58) Passenger List radio drama snippet(32:21) Radio drama's journey(37:23) Secret Marvel radio drama project(40:05) The Media Quiz(43:58) GoodbyesSpotify