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. Come on in!

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Observer sale confirmed - and new editor too

BBC’s DAB expansion plans on hold

Grace Dent to replace Gregg Wallace 

British Journalism Awards and Press Gazette introducing a registration wall

Bluey movie announced

Gavin & Stacey cast in Radio 2 takeover

Rowan 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) Goodbyes

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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 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.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Sky reaches deal with HBO

GB News broadcasts half of all Muslim news stories

Murdoch succession drama

Observer staff 'horror' at sale

Charlotte Moore reportedly headhunted by Disney

Chapters:

(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) Goodbye

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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.

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.com

A 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.uk

Further reading:

• Gregg Wallace scandal
• Indies striking deals with international counterparts
• Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch podcast
• Observer journalist assurances
• Dale Vince, a potential Observer buyer?
• Dylan Jones steps down from The Standard
• Ru Paul’s Drag Con
• Maggie’s Channel 4 books

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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!

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A 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

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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 provide an update.

All that, plus... could an AI startup save journalism?

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Guardian & Observer staff to walk out over sale

Radio 2 announces spinoff - and Phil Riley is not happy about it

Zoe Ball leaves Radio 2

Watchdog urges BBCS to create more IP

Could an AI startup save journalism?

Fulwell73 and LeBron James’ SpringHill strike mega-merger deal

Logan Paul Sends Look-a-Like to BBC Interview

Goalhanger shuts TV Production House

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(00:47) Kathleen Kennedy

(02:15) Adam Bienkov

(04:07) Observer/Tortoise

(07:30) NAO/BBC

(12:35) R2 Breakfast

(17:14) R2 Extra/Phil Riley

(24:16) Podcast Discovery

(24:46) Podshop Online

(25:51) Everyone's Talking About

(26:36) Journalism AI

(30:16) New European

(37:13) Quiz

(41:05) Goodbye

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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 Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day?

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

The Onion buys rightwing conspiracy theory site Infowars

Who Will Replace The BBC's Biggest Star?

AVods are up, according to Barb data, just as Amazon Prime closes Freevee

Guardian will no longer post on Elon Musk’s X from its official accounts

Radio 1 Anthems has launched

Broadcasters Commit To A Shared Measurement System For Climate Change Content

Research reveals London indies dominate Scottish commissioning

BBC making waves in Digbeth

Check out https://londoncentric.media

(00:00) Introduction

(00:40) Charlotte Lock

(01:29) Bluesky Team

(02:05) Lineker

(06:30) Infowars

(08:45) Streaming

(13:40) X-odus

(18:14) PodShop

(19:00) Podcast Discovery

(19:30) What We've Heard

(20:20) Radio 1 Anthems

(22:00) BBC Audio Commissioning

(28:22) London Centric

(39:37) Media Quiz

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How was the US election night covered in the media, and how will the newsrooms fare under President Trump?... Alex Farber, media correspondent from The Times is here to look at what it means for our industry.

Also on the programme: Miranda Sawyer has been the audio critic at the Observer throughout the podcast boom... she reveals the latest trends in the industry, and her take on her paper’s future under Tortoise.

All that, plus: Will Wood, CEO of Multitude Media on being a modern PR powerhouse, why publishers are struggling with Google’s new Ts and Cs... and, in the Media Quiz, we find out who’s sorry not sorry.

That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Sign up for free at https://www.themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week

US election night coverage roundup

New BBC Chair Samir Shah on permanent Royal Charter & misconduct complaints

Can you opt out of Google's AI crawler? Not according to the FT...

Miranda Sawyer’s new book - get your copy now...

Observer/Tortoise update: Guardian CEO says paper is unsustainable

Will Wood discusses new drama House of Guinness

Clarkson’s Farm renewed for fifth season

Baby Cow court case

New Radio 4 comedy commissions announced

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The Washington Post loses subscribers over its position on the US election... media reporter and writer Tara Conlan tells us why this might be good news for the Guardian.

Podcasting powerhouse Novel's making waves; CEO Craig Strachan's here to chat Kill List, selling your IP to Hollywood and plans for 2025. 

Also on the programme: are we closer to a World Service funding deal? The dangers of working in TV at the moment... and, in the Media Quiz, we put ourselves out of a job using NotebookLM.

Remember to signup at themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Ian Katz chat at BPG lunch - a little on The Gathering too

Wash Po non-endorsement leads to 10% drop in subscriptions - and the Guardian cleans up

Are we inching closer to a World Service/FO deal?

Novel’s new show The Bunny Trap - and start the bidding war for the #1 hit Kill List

Tara’s brilliant Guardian piece on the dangers of being a modern day runner

ECB Rules Out Free To Air Cricket

Gok Wan joins Magic Breakfast

Journalists back strike over Observer

Michael Parkinson returns in AI form

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome

(00:46) Amelia Dimoldenberg

(02:04) Saoirse Ronan

(04:18) C4's Ian Katz

(09:45) Washington Post's Subs

(19:07) Podcast Discovery

(19:30) PodShop

(20:55) GB News

(24:34) Novel

(30:55) Freelance Exhaustion

(38:00) Media Quiz

(47:30) Goodbyes

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The latest RAJAR figures are out - and new local radio regulations kick in... so what does it mean for the big commercial players? Media analyst Adam Bowie tells us what’s happening.

Also on the programme: as TV bigwigs descend on Cannes for Mipcom, why is everyone looking to the past? Deadline’s Jake Kanter puts down his cocktail to tell us more.

All that, plus: Kimberly Godbolt from search network Talented People takes the temperature of UK TV production. Are we any closer to the end of the commissioning drought?

That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in!

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Bauer removes last of GHR's local programming

Matt’s RAJAR blog

Adam’s rival (and also very good) blog

Deadline’s Takeaways from MIPCOM 2024

An evening of British Podcast Awards winners

ITV using AI to come of with commissioning ideas

Mel Giedroyc presents game show version of Pictionary

Channel 4 orders Virgin Island

There’s going to be a Greek Monk

Ted Danson's Podcast

Undercover: Exposing the Far Right

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As the broadcaster axes three regular shows amidst more job losses in news... Broadcast editor Chris Curtis fills us in on whether a Labour Government could change the narrative.

How is Private Eye is adjusting to a new government, and does it perform better under red or blue Prime Ministers? Adam MacQueen of the magazine’s Street of Shame reveals all.

All that, plus: Channel 4 announces investment more in new skills and beyond London - but will it change the mood music with TV makers? The Guardian’s ethical review service... and why should we stop calling people ‘talent’.

That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in and sign up for free at https://www.themediaclub.com

A 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.uk

The Media Club’s stories of the week:

Adam MacQueen’s new book, Haunted Tales - buy it now

Click, Hardtalk to go as BBC News rationalises and Radio News reductions

Channel 4 launches Nations & Regions investment

Hot off the Recipes app, the Guardian launches The Filter.

Tim Davy 'bans' the word 'talent'

New York Sun owner in exclusive talks with Telegraph 

Bastards, says Newsquest to Google

Spike Milligan calls Prince Charles ‘a grovelling bastard’

(0:00) - Intro

(0:40) - Victoria Newton (Editor, The Sun)

(3:05) - Jane Austen 

(4:35) - Pride & Prejudice

(5:40) - BBC News Job Cuts / Click cancelled

(8:30) - Will BBC Cuts impact government priorities

(11:10) - Should the government pay for BBC World services?

(13:45) - Channel 4 and the indie community

(15:40) - Does Channel 4 work as a public service broadcaster?

(19:12) - The Governments focus on Channel 4

(23:02) - The Guardian's The Filter

(25:30) - Tortoise and the Observer

(28:10) - Tortoise refinancing 

(31:18) - Weekly news round-up

(31:55) - What other film and tv studio is owned by a local authority?

(32:43 - What has Chris been reporting on this week?

(33:30) - Tim Davie on not using the word "talent"

(36:00) - Private Eye

(39:00) - Were the Tories actually worse?

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