Why do YouTubers and podcasters want government recognition? Tim Burrowes of Unmade Media joins us to discuss the perils of securing a mortgage as a digital creator - as well as the latest from MADFest in London. Also on the show: amid Glasto controversy and Channel 4 picking up a supposedly partial doc on Gaza... does the BBC need to reset its news coverage? Edelman’s Karin Robinson fills us in. And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we try out another shiny floor format destined for primetime. ...
Jul 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 315
Can big tech be tamed? As the competition regulator tries to tweak Google’s algorithm, Mail Online’s SEO chief Carly Steven explains what the impact has been for her outlet. Also on the show: are vertical dramas the next big thing? Caroline Frost, Radio Times TV Editor and Podcast Host, tells us if they’re a thumbs up... or is that a swipe right? All that plus: discontent swells at a BBC meeting over Gaza coverage, the Washington Post upgrades the right to reply... and, in the Audio Network Medi...
Jun 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 314
Kate Philips is announced as the BBC’s all-powerful creative lead - Faraz Osman, founder of TV indie Gold Wala, takes a look at her in-tray. Also on the show: TV advertising gets the self-service treatment... Rebecca Cooney, insight editor at Broadcast, tells us why broadcasters are targeting small businesses. Plus, speaking of advertising: with the threat of AI ever present, how do creatives rate their chances of survival? Campaign’s UK editor Maisie McCabe is down the line from Cannes. And, in...
Jun 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 313
How did social media stars, podcasters and YouTubers overtake traditional media in ad revenue? Michael Savage, media editor at the Guardian, shepherds us into the new era. Also on the show: as The Standard announces a new partnership with Message Heard, we chat to the podcast outfit’s Jake Warren about the magic ingredients that turn print into podcast. All that plus: Warner Brothers Discovery give more details of their split, whilst Netflix invests in Spain... And, in the Audio Network Media Qu...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 312
Do we need a Hypocratic oath for journalism? Journalist and Author Mic Wright has been into UK newsrooms to deduce whether there's an ethical line beyond, “don’t get sued.” Also on the show: the BBC sets out its stall for charter renewal. PR supremo Will Wood is here to take us through Tim Davey’s wishlist. All that plus: the AI copyright bill suffers another setback, there’s more job cuts at Disney and Business Insider... And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we look at some life hacks... for m...
Jun 06, 2025•50 min•Ep. 311
Why indies shouldn’t fear Channel 4’s production arm - Derek Drennan, founder of Nest Productions talks to us about his business, and why IP isn’t the only game in town. Also on the show: as the industry mourns the passing of Alan Yentob, former BBC exec Paul Robinson takes us back to his 90s heyday. All that plus: the Telegraph is sold AGAIN - will that be that? And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz... we channel Jimmy Carr. That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in! The...
May 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 310
Rumours abound after Channel 4 plans to invest in indies as part of its in-house production arm strategy - and that’s just as ITV slashes its budgets for daytime. Broadcast reporter Heather Fallon tells us what it all means. Also on the programme: Gary Lineker is ‘sent off’ the BBC after a controversial social post. Did it all have to end like this? TV critic and media writer Scott Bryan looks at what the corporation could have done differently. And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play matc...
May 23, 2025•36 min•Ep. 309
We are LIVE at the ARIAS - the Radio Academy’s annual awards for the sector. We’ll be speaking to the big winners about the state of the industry and striving for excellence in a digital world - as well as Radio Academy chief Aradhna Tayal Leach. Also on the programme: it’s RAJARs week - yes, the latest radio listening figures are out. Sam Jackson, controller at BBC Radio 3 is here to discuss the numbers, as well as his revolution at the station. On the red carpet we speak to Angela Scanlon, Ala...
May 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 308
Former BBC1, ITV controller and Expectation chief Peter Fincham joins us to discuss his new podcast, Insiders, on the secrets of the TV industry. We’ll find out what he makes of this week’s headlines. Also on the programme: as President Trump threatens tariffs on high end TV and Film, media writer Tara Conlan assesses the risks for the sector. All that plus: we’re in Bradford for all the takeaways from the Creative Cities Convention. And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we’re heading into the c...
May 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 307
Politico’s senior executive editor, Kate Day, tells us what’s in store for the original newsletter publisher. Also on the programme: Alex Mahon is set to leave Channel 4. Deadline’s senior investigations reporter Jake Kanter is here to divine what happens next. All that plus: Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd talks to us about just what he sacrificed to get his story out there, as well as more interviews on the winner’s run at BAFTA’s TV Craft Awards featuring Reece Sheersmith and Steve Pemberton (In...
May 02, 2025•46 min•Ep. 306
In the club today: the curious case of fictional experts... is AI driving a credibility problem when sourcing talking heads? Media writer Maggie Brown and broadcaster Alex Zane discuss Press Gazette’s excellent scoop... as well the launch of Alex’s new podcast, The Savoy Originals. Also on the programme: Ofcom puts the brakes on Radio 2’s spin-off. Phil Riley from Boom Radio assesses the damage. All that plus: podcast festival Crossed Wires gets a new creative director. Owner Dino Sofos is here ...
Apr 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 305
Is your company investment-ready? Mark Browning CEO of Zinc Media Group tells us what you need to do to get investment in a media business. Also on the programme: as the BBC publishes its annual report, things get spicy as Auntie takes on the streamers... media writer Manori Ravindran picks apart the commentary. All that plus: has Michael Sheen got some explaining to do? One indie thinks so... and, in the Media Quiz, we open up the Media Transfer Window. Become a member for FREE when you sign up...
Apr 04, 2025•46 min•Ep. 304
Google claims its search business would be fine without news sites. But does their research stand up to scrutiny? Media writer Jane Martinson tells us more. Also on the programme: TV indies breathe a sigh of relief as a big market investigation is dropped. But it’s not so good news for broadcasters though; Rebecca Cooney (Broadcast) explains. All that plus: there’s a u-turn for BBC Studios, Bauer retreats from Wales... and in The Media Quiz we find out how much money Apple TV is losing. Become a...
Mar 28, 2025•37 min•Ep. 303
As the TV crisis continues, a Murdoch enters the chat. We take a temperature check on the sector with former UKTV commissioner and now boss at indie Square Pears’, Iain Coyle. Also on the programme: we reveal the one-take secrets of Adolescence, as well as the winners of the Broadcast Press Guild awards. All that plus: as Trump plans to close Voice Of America, Kate Bulkley is here to assess its impact on western media more widely, and if the World Service can step up - and, in the Media Quiz, we...
Mar 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 302
Will Google's AI mode destroy the news media? Has YouTube set its sights on the TV industry? Writer and telly critic Scott Bryan’s here to tell us how parent company Alphabet’s still reshaping the media landscape across the world. Also on the programme: the World Service needs Government funding, argue BBC bosses. But can they match the scale of China and Russia’s operations? Faraz Osman, head of indie Gold Wala tells us more. All that plus: Channel 5 gets a rebrand - again - and, in the Media Q...
Mar 14, 2025•44 min•Ep. 301
Long 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 th...
Mar 07, 2025•47 min•Ep. 300
Charlotte 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 ...
Feb 27, 2025•41 min•Ep. 299
Alex 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 f...
Feb 21, 2025•43 min•Ep. 298
Channel 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 ha...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 297
In 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 ...
Feb 07, 2025•38 min•Ep. 296
Just 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 hap...
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 295
Prince 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 bi...
Jan 24, 2025•48 min•Ep. 294
In 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 happenin...
Jan 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 293
Meta 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 al...
Jan 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 292
The 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. Com...
Dec 20, 2024•39 min•Ep. 291
TV 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 Med...
Dec 13, 2024•43 min•Ep. 290
World 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. T...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 289
Is 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.com A Reth...
Nov 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 288
As the BBC pushes on with its Radio 2 spinoff - we speak to rival Boom Radio’s Phil Riley about the impact on his business. Meanwhile, BBC Studios has a ‘work-for-hire’ dilemma... media commentator Kate Bulkley unpicks a thorny problem for the BBC’s commercial strategy. Also on the programme: staff at The Observer and the Guardian vote to strike over the proposed sale of the Sunday paper to Tortoise... but is the deal already done? James Ball, political editor at The New European is here to prov...
Nov 22, 2024•42 min•Ep. 287
Jim Waterson speaks to The Media Club about the launch of his local journalism project, London Centric; and the wider local media revolution. Also on the programme: right wing outlet InfoWars is bought by The Onion... What’s that about? And as most streamers embrace ads on their services... what is Amazon doing with FreeVee? Jane Ostler, EVP at research agency Kantar explains. All that, plus: Chloe Straw of Audio UK talks about the future of podcasts away from the BBC, we ask who will replace Ga...
Nov 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 286
