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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.
Support the show: patreon.com/mediapod
All feedback welcome: themediapodcast.com/survey
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344. Telegraph Deal Take #4... and are you World Cup Ready?
52:27||Ep. 344The 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
343. Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back
52:24||Ep. 343All3Media 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
342. That BAFTA edit, Mip London & AI Updates
39:48||Ep. 342Just 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
341. Apple Podcasts Pivots To Video, 1% Club Goes Global
41:59||Ep. 341Apple 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
340. Is The World Service In Crisis?
39:46||Ep. 340Tim 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
339. Scottish Media In Focus and a Rajars Special
01:03:21||Ep. 339We’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
338. Convergence Is King
34:58||Ep. 338We'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)
337. Prince Harry In Court, BBC on YouTube, Channel 4 Studios
34:30||Ep. 337It’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
336. Goalhanger Breaks New Records, Superindies Plan Merger
42:37||Ep. 336Goalhanger 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