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The Media Club with Matt Deegan
The Mail on Sunday's Basic Instinct & A Twitter Takeover
The Mail On Sunday doubles down on their Angela Rayner/Basic Instinct story, sparking widespread condemnation. How has this incident gone down in the lobby pool that attends Westminster every week? Former political correspondent Jim Waterson tells us about life as a lobby hack.
A second sexism story has sparked conversations in the industry, as ex-Radio One DJ Tim Westwood is accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women of colour. Lis Howell (of the Expert Women project) discusses the barriers facing women in the sector.
Also on the programme: the BBC launches an experiment to prove its value - will they convince sceptics to pay the licence fee?
And in our deep dive this week, investigative journalist James Ball talks to Matt about Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover and what it means for the media community and press liberty - hear an extra 20mins over on our Patreon.
Plus, in the Media Quiz, we find out which companies are Making Waves in the audio industry.
A Rethink Audio Production. Produced by Phoebe Adler Ryan, with support from Matt Hill.
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296. 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) GoodbyesSpotify291. Tortoise’s Observer deal is done
39:20||Ep. 291The Observer becomes part of Tortoise. Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette is here to tell us what happens next.Also on the programme: BBC Radio faces pushback from Ofcom over its DAB expansion plans, and The Radio Times’ Caroline Frost ponders what we have to look forward to on TV in 2025.All that, plus: all the gossip from the British Journalism Awards, the continued de-Wallacing of TV... And, in the Media Quiz, we brush up those CVs.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:Observer sale confirmed - and new editor tooBBC’s DAB expansion plans on holdGrace Dent to replace Gregg Wallace British Journalism Awards and Press Gazette introducing a registration wallBluey movie announcedGavin & Stacey cast in Radio 2 takeoverRowan Atkinson returns to Netflix(00:00) Intro(00:40) Strictly & Amazing Women in Journalism(03:40) The Observer & Tortoise(07:30) Guardian competition?(09:40) Future of Masterchef(13:34) BBC pause DAB station roll-out(21:30) Media Concierge takeover(25:05) Press Gazette's registration wall(26:32) Radio Times Podcast(27:40) Harlan Coben's Missing You(29:06) Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher(30:14) Return of Bergerac(31:23) Charlotte's rom-com hits(32:10) The revival of TV spy action(33:02) The Media Quiz(38:16) Goodbyes290. Which HBO Shows Will Stay On Sky?
43:18||Ep. 290TV critic Scott Bryan is here to explain the new deal between Sky and HBO, and dips into the Radio Times (old school) to divine what the Christmas schedules tell us about the health of certain broadcasters.Also on the programme: a report suggests that GB News broadcasts half of all news stories about Muslims? TV Indie chief Faraz Osman from Goldwala tells us more.All that, plus: from Lucy Letby to Vogue Williams, Jamie East reports back on a year of running Daily Mail podcasts.And, in the Media Quiz, we’re off headhunting across Disney, News Corp and The Observer.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:Sky reaches deal with HBOGB News broadcasts half of all Muslim news storiesMurdoch succession dramaObserver staff 'horror' at saleCharlotte Moore reportedly headhunted by DisneyChapters:(00:00) Intro(00:45) Ayesha Rafaele & Nisha Parti(02:03) TV Zone(04:07) Sky & HBO(10:25) Muslims and GB News(17:35) Xmas TV(23:53) Jamie and AI Pods(31:42) Daily Mail Pods(33:50) Media Quiz(42:05) Goodbye289. Gregg Wallace... and matters outstanding
59:55||Ep. 289World of Wonder co-founder Fenton Bailey on the future of television - is there room for cable, streamers AND broadcasters? Fenton thinks so.Also on the programme: unfinished business at the BBC. With Gregg Wallace causing all sorts of problems, have they got to grips with other thorny talent issues? Roger Bolton of Beebwatch grasps the nettle.All that, plus media writer Maggie Brown on the TV indies partnering up in Europe, and in the Media Quiz we cover another turbulent week in newsrooms.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 podshoponline.co.ukFurther reading:Gregg Wallace scandalIndies striking deals with international counterpartsRoger Bolton’s Beeb Watch podcastObserver journalist assurancesDale Vince, a potential Observer buyer?Dylan Jones steps down from The StandardRu Paul’s Drag ConMaggie’s Channel 4 books288. Is the Golden Age of British TV Over?
40:17||Ep. 288Is the golden age of UK-made TV over? We speak to Steven D Wright about his article in The Times on the matter and whether anything can be done.Also, are you feeling festive? The editor of Campaign, Maisie McCabe gives us her view on some of the best Christmas ads out there and producer Rina Dayalji brings us the latest from the front line in factual entertainment. And of course, don’t forget The Media Quiz! Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.comA Rethink Audio production, produced by Ollie Peart and 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.uk(00:00) Intro(00:50) Richard Brim & Martin Beverley(01:22) Simone Pennant MBE & Joe Lycett(02:17) Steven D Wright on TV(18:05) ITV Sale(24:12) Overheard(25:08) Xmas Ads(34:25) Quiz(39:37) Goodbye