Spotify announces big changes to its revenue machine and Global spends big on Gary Nevile’s network.... Lots of podcast upheaval, but are podcasts at risk of losing money through a bad actor? Thomas Curry, exec at BBC Studios, takes us through the week’s deals.

Also on the show: should we spend double what we do for the World Service? And should the Government pay for it? Rebecca Cooney from Broadcast tells us more.

All that plus: who is playing Huw Edwards in the new Channel 5 drama? What changes are being made at Virgin Radio... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we rundown the biggest charts of the year.. 

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.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Global Buys Gary Nevile's Podcast Network The Overlap

Spotify launches video podcast API for rival publishers

The podcast app stripping ads from your content

World Service negotiations 

Martin Clunes IS Huw Edwards 

Virgin Radio schedule changes

Most Watched & Streamed Shows Of 2025

BBC Sounds Top Shows of 2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there any merit to Donald Trump’s case against the BBC? And can the corporation get it dismissed before the legal costs rack up? Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor at Press Gazette tells us the latest.

Also on the show: the Oscars head to YouTube. What does the multi-year deal mean for broadcast television? Journalist and all-round digital media maven Alex Hudson makes sense of it for us.

All that plus: DMG counts its pennies ahead of the Telegraph sale, the Government debates the BBC’s future... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we’re playing Schedule This. 

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.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

We're Up To $10bn... 

Oscars Heading To YouTube

Govt Launches BBC Green Paper

Audio industry celebrates a seat on Creative Industries Council

Telegraph money secured

Sky Q "unplugged

WBD rejects Paramount Skydance’s ‘illusory’ offer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the biggest media deal for a decade - or maybe not, if Paramount gets their way. How does this affect consumers, cinema goers... and all of us, really? Faraz Osman, MD at indie Gold Wala joins me to discuss a seismic week in the media.

Also on the show: how do you make a documentary about the enigma that is Nick Cave? Filmmaker Mike Christie joins us to discuss his new documentary... and how Red Bull’s jump from space changed branded content forever.

All that plus: Disney invests in OpenAI, Eurovision implodes... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we bring you up to date in the media transfer window. 

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.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Netflix Buys Warner Bros

Paramount's hostile bid

A History Of Warner Deals

Golden Globes Inaugural Podcast Nominees Announced

Steve Ackerman To Leave Sony Podcasts

Emile Nawagamuwa Christmas Campaign

Mike’s Documentary: Nick Cave’s Veiled World

Gogglebox Goes To Hollywood

Nigel Warner to replace John McVay at PACT

Channel 4's New Chair

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is HBO Max doing the right thing pulling the sitcom everywhere but their own service? Or are consumers getting tired of chasing their favourite shows behind paywalls? We look at the return of ‘windowing’ and what’s driving the trend.

Also on the show: agency giant Omnicom acquired Interpublic recently. Does that solve all its problems? Brand consultant and writer Omar Oakes thinks maybe not. 

All that plus: why the next Director General may not come from the ranks - media veteran Maggie Brown tells us more; Acast offers podcasters a better deal with YouTube... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we revive the Christmas Tapes of old. 

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.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

'Windowing in back, big time'

Netflix Commission Goalhanger's Rest Is Football for World Cup

Omnicom acquires Interpublic 

Acast announces tie-up for enhanced YouTube offering

Content London Gossip

YouTube growth down to older viewers

Why the Next DG Will Come From Outside

Fire At Radio Scotland

BBC Plans Remote Commentary For Some World Cup Matches

New In Our Time Host Announced

Jungle show swearing faux pas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mail agrees to buy the Telegraph: but where’s the money coming from? And will the Government wave it through? Private Eye’s Adam MacQueen, writer on the magazine’s Street Of Shame, laments another twist in the Telegraph saga.

Also on the show: the budget offered no new tax credits for the film and TV industry... but at least there’s another big studio being built. Cara Kotschy, co-founder of post production house Residence Pictures, explains what all these studio projects mean for the sector. 

All that plus: Michael Prescott faces MPs, as do various BBC execs, a lost Blackadder script goes on sale... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we connect three more underreported stories from the week.

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.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Mail agrees to buy the Telegraph

BBC at CMS Select Committee

Deadline on the lack of tax credits in the budget 

Bid For The Blackadder Chrismas Special That Never Was

Marlow Film Studios approved

Trump Secures Rush Hour 4

Dale Vince's Newspaper

Stranger Things Gets The Pop Up Radio Treatment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the noises coming out of Disney+ tell us about the streamer’s plans for user generated AI? Matt Deegan is joined by Stuart Morgan, MD & Founder of Audio Always and Cat Lewis, CEO of Nine Lives Media to discuss the week’s media news.

Also on the show: as Donald Trump raises the stakes against the BBC to $5bn in damages, we’re in Salford at MediaCity, the corporation’s second-biggest hub, speaking to suppliers about how this all impacts their business.

All that plus: the Telegraph is up for sale, again... Goalhanger launch a new show... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we tabloid the news.

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.com

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

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Updates to Disney+

Trump Raises The Stakes vs BBC To $5bn

Telegraph Sale Is Off (Again) 

Should there be an independent process?

FT Launches First Substack

Meta win AntiTrust Case

British Sales Top $1bn to US for first time

The Rest Is Science launches

Kelvin MacKenzie in Shock Guardian Praise

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was one scandal too many for Tim Davie - where does his departure leave the BBC at this crucial time? And which talented exec would dare take on the role? Former Chief Creative Officer for BBC TV, Patrick Younge, and The Telegraph’s media editor James Warrington, whose paper broke this DG-slaying story, join us in the studio.

Also on the show: ITV is up for sale - well, at least the broadcasting arm is - our panel discuss why Sky is ready to snap it up... Plus, why a dispute between YouTube and Disney is frustrating US football fans... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we consume all the news that’s fit to TikTok.

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.com

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

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Davie & Turness resign over Panorama

Trump's libel deadline

Wider reaction 

ITV in sales talks with Comcast/Sky

Celeb Traitors Is Renewed, obvs

Is Your Podcast Netflix-Ready?

Disney vs YouTube in carriage wars

TikTok Radio Is A Thing Now 

Daily Mail leans into The Crime Desk brand for podcasts and TikTok

ITV partners with TikTok for ads on tentpole brands

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sidemen’s manager thinks the Beeb is on the same path as the Titanic; just as others speak up for big changes in the next ten year plan. We ask is it even possible for the corporation to change course? Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson weighs the arguments for us.

Also on the show: - fool me once... shame on you - The Times reflects on being tricked for the second time in a month... journalist and academic Jane Martinson tells us more.

All that plus: Canada leaks the Traitors finale... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we give three more media stories a glow up.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at https://audionetwork.com

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

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Sidemen manager calls out 'Titanic' BBC

British Broadcasting Challenge report

Netflix in talks to licence iHeart podcasts

The Times' Recent Blunders (and how to stop them)

Audible out to reinvent Harry Potter

National Design Competition Launched to Honour Fallen Journalists

BBC Accused of Reediting Trump

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to cut through as a documentary maker on YouTube? Filmmaker Ben Zand joins us to talk about his recent launch, Human.

Also on the show: Disney Plus cuts ties with Doctor Who as it decides not to renew a deal with the BBC... what next for one of the corporation’s international hits? Broadcast’s Rebecca Cooney explains.

All that plus: we look at Sora 2 and AI’s implications for the media, who’s in the running for the BBC’s next mega-format commission... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we Zandland the news.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://www.themediaclub.com

We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at https://www.podshoponline.co.uk

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Disney+ parts ways with the Whoniverse

AI report: 9% of US newspaper articles may be aided by AI.

Sora 2's rollout

Nine indies shortlisted for BBC and NBCU mega-format

Telegraph links potential owner to China’s Politburo

Claudia Winkleman’s Chat Show

Spotify Video Comes To TV in app reboot

Coogan Hacked Off By Settlement

Legal Action Begins Against Mindhouse Over Doc

Podcast loses major sponsor after interview with Bob Vylan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strictly Come Dancing's presenters are both leaving - who’s in the running to replace Tess & Claude at the BBC’s flagship show? And why was their announcement on Instagram so strange? Heather Fallon, senior reporter at Broadcast Magazine explains.

Also on the show: how do you make a talent agency fit for purpose in a digital world? InterTalent’s MD, Alex Segal, joins us to discuss the new skills all agencies need to stay competitive.

All that plus: a Warner Brothers Discovery sale is looking likely - but who wants it? Why has Ofcom rowed back on changes to the Broadcast Code? 

And, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we pitch some new business ideas.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network, who select the music to score each episode (as well as, as it happens, Dragons’ Den) and they can do it for you too at https://www.audionetwork.com

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.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Strictly’s Tess and Claudia Wrongfoot The Media With Announcement

Warner Bros Discovery sale on the cards 

Podcasts coming to Netflix... but are they ready for them? And what's behind the platform's poor earnings report? 

Ofcom keeps politicians as presenters rule

DAZN’s Champion’s League Bid

Global’s Upfronts Reveal More Commissions

Channel 4’s new news podcasts

Channel 4's AI Prank

100 Choices Coming To The US

STV Radio launches podcast ahead of station

Matt’s Take on the RAJARs

Alex’s Substack: Dealmakers: https://intertalent.substack.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.