Tim 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.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:

Tim Davie sends Govt a World Service ultimatum

Will Lewis abruptly exits Washington Post 

Carole Cadwalladr’s message to departing WashPost staff

Disney and Sky strike multi-year deal

Owenna Griffiths resigns as Today Programme editor

HBO Max UK launch date announced

PG Tips sponsors Popmaster

Supercast acquired by Red Seat Ventures

New in-car campaign for European radio groups

Zai Bennett’s Deadline interview

Channel 4’s Golden Age of BAME Programming

Louis Theroux launches Mindhouse Studios

Global launches Up To Speed F1 podcast

Goalhanger launches The Book Club

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

We’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.com

This 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-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:

Washington Post announces mass layoffs

Matt’s take on the Q4 Rajars - and Adam’s take

Saturday Night Live cast announced

Scottish Podcast Awards launch

Mark Thompson buttonholed

The Grand Tour Reboots

Significant Productions Launched

ITV Announce In-Game Ads For Six Nations

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We'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.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:

CMA wants a clear publisher opt out for AI Overviews

Substack has launched a TV app 

YouTube Pulls Out Of Barb

Future Publishing Axes Consumer Tech Jobs

BBC Names Davie’s Exit Date and Interim DG

Goalhanger Bags Minority Investor

MOTD ratings surge with new release strategy

Nigella becomes new Bake Off judge

Traitors - The Play? (and ratings news)

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It’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.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:

Prince Harry testifies against the Mail

BBC to make content for YouTube

Channel 4 appoint their first in-house chief

Lisa Nandy 'minded' to refer Mail/Telegraph deal to CMA

Prue Leith to leave Bake Off

Alan Rusbridger joins The New World

Jamie Laing hires former Amazon Podcast boss

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

Goalhanger 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.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 and Ollie Peart with post-production from Podcast Discovery.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Banijay and All3Media in merger talks

Google believes it shouldn't pay for non-paywalled content

Stephen Graham's prodco signs first look deal with Disney+

Cathy Newman jumps ship to Sky News

Interesting tie up between Global and ITV for a new lottery

Mock The Week & Dara O'Brien return on TLC

YouTube joins Barb - and upends the charts

GB News Consistently Beats BBC & Sky News in ratings

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

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

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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.