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 to reveal who it is... and, in the quiz, we enter the Frequency Funhouse.

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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Press Gazette's expose into fake commentators

Ofcom says no to Radio 2 spin-off

BBC advertising for new iPlayer roles...

Threads is back

Local Radio podcast launches

AP To Be Allowed Back Into White House

Avalon take a stake in Adolescence producer

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

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 for our newsletter at themediaclub.com

A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with support from Ollie Peart, and 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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

BBC fights back in its annual report

Disney identifies 4 audience types in streaming landscape

Michael Sheen and Channel 4 questioned over ‘originality’ of debt documentary

The Sun stems losses as The Times bags £60m profit

Radio 4 saves the 90min audio drama slot

Bauer completes Clear Channel Europe-North acquisition

Dish From Waitrose team launch indie

Rachel Sylvester named Observer political editor

Reach CEO Jim Mullen steps down with immediate effect

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

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 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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Google's Research Under Scrutiny

Relief as TV indies CMA probe dropped

BBC Studios Drops Podcast Ads Plan In UK

Bauer closes Breakfast Shows - James Cridland was quite critical about their strategy here

Rivals does well at RTS - and BAFTA TV nominations are announced

Independent launches AI Summary

Capital’s Chris Stark recovering from cancer treatment

Adolescence makes ratings history

Paltrow criticises intimacy coordinators

Apple TV+ losing over $1bn/year, reports

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(00:40) Media Club Member List Invites

(06:00) News Has No Impact on Google's Ad Revenue

(10:52) Probe into TV Company Freelancer Fees

(16:15 BBC Studios Withdraws Podcast Ad Plans

(21:33) Local Radio Programming Changes

(26:18) BAFTA Nominations

(28:11) RTS Television Journalism Awards & Gaza

(30:13) The Media Quiz

(36:15) Goodbyes

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

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’re bringing back Jeopardy.

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

* give or take a dynamic ad break or two. And a live vision mix of course.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Voice Of America axed

Liz Murdoch says TV crisis leading to an exodus of production talent

Consent Or Pay says the Guardian

RTS backtracks on Gaza controversy

Adolescence secrets revealed

River City axed

Jeopardy Returns

5Live Bags F1 Rights Again

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

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 Quiz, we’re sprinkling some stardust.

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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Will Google's AI Mode Destroy The News Media?

World Service needs public funding, argue BBC bosses

Don't Forget YouTube 

Indie 'Discharged Duty Of Care' to worker, according to inquiry

Miracle Spring Water lands TV channel Ofcom fine

More Megan on the way to Netflix

Anna Foster joins Today lineup

Chapters:

Intro (0:00)

Media Club Inductees (0:43)

Google's AI Mode (3:07)

YouTube's Push to the Big Screen (10:29)

BBC World Service (18:17)

Media News Round-up (25:53)

Channel 5's Rebrand (26:26)

BAFTA TV Memorable Moments Award (28:38)

TV Working Conditions (31:47)

Media Quiz (36:44)

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

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 the Media Quiz, our pundits try to score a perfect ten.

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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Tim Davie 'open minded' about streamer levy in MP grilling

Channel 4 also features Hamas minister's son in Gaza doc 

BECTU campaigns for more rest breaks

Paul Marshall Floats Jounalism School to rivals

Telegraph pays £10/pic for social media pictures

Scrabble to become a TV Game Show

Left Bank revenues dive post-Crown

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

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 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 https://www.podshoponline.co.uk

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Charlotte Moore to leave BBC for Sony

BBC Report into Westwood

Tortoise to takeover Observer from Easter Sunday

5 News editor piece in Press Gazette

Ben Frow feature in Broadcast

Washpo Opinion Editor resigns over Bezos decree

Observer confirms takeover date

Podimo reaches 1m paying subscribers

Neighbours Axed (again)

James Bond Takeover Complete

Amazon open to scripted co-pros

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:44) Media Club Inductees

(03:29) Charlotte Moore's BBC Exit

(10:54) BBC's Tim Westwood Report

(16:26) Channel 5 News' Resurgence

(21:58) The Week's Media Headlines

(23:10) Podimo's 1 Million Subscribers

(29:28) Warren Nettleford's New Audio Production Company

(35:13) The Media Quiz

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

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 first ever MIP London... and, in the Media Quiz, we look at some unbroadcastable media moments.

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 https://www.podshoponline.co.uk

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Deadline’s MIPcom London preview

James Murdoch rare interview delivers the goods

BBC stops music radio streams internationally

News and current affairs magazine ABCs 2024

BBC begins £6.8m tender process for BBCS formats

Series of new Irish digital radio stations with ‘existing & new content offerings’ set to be launched in coming weeks

BBC asked to remove Gaza documentary over narrator’s father’s ties to Hamas

Trump jokes cut from BAFTA broadcast

Guardian signs licensing deal with ChatGPT owner OpenAI

Bauer Media launches Bridget Jones Radio pop-up station

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

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 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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Get Creative Cities Convention Tickets

Channel 4's new drama slate

Chatbots Can't Summarise News Stories, BBC finds

Netflix Eyeing Up Podcasts

‘Big Mood’ Renewed For Season 2 At Channel 4

BBC Podcast ‘How Do You Cope?’ Switches To Wondery

BBC Presenter Banned from Hinge For Being Himself

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(00:42) Media Club Guest Invites: A A Dhand - Harry Virdee

(04:40) Media Club Guest Invites: Mike White - The White Lotus

(07:50) Jack Thorne New Show

(09:10) Channel 4 Announcements

(11:30) Funding for Drama

(14:38) Netflix Top 10

(15:25) AI and the News

(22:05) Netflix Video Podcasts

(30:32) Bradford Creative Cities Convention

(35:52) Pilot TV

(36:56) Best TV shows to be watching right now

(40:15) The Media Quiz

(44:57) Goodbyes

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

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 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

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Matt's and Adam's blogs on the RAJARs

The Sun launches £1.99 paywall

The Sun’s Celebrity Traitors line-up

FT policy chief warns MPs watered-down copyright regime for AI is ‘huge mistake’

ITV and All3Media owner in production merger talks

Kay Burley announces retirement

Richard McKerrow exits Love Productions

Persephonica Nabs BBC Sounds Commissioner

Chapters:

(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) Goodbyes

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