All3Media and Banijay have merged to create an eight-billion-dollar independent production giant - and there are whispers that ITV Studios could be next on the menu. Media writer Tara Conlan takes stock.

Also: Paramount Skydance beats Netflix in a marathon bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery. It's the biggest media merger in history - and the debt pile to match. Former Media Leader editor and now consultant Omar Oakes crunches the numbers.

All that plus: News Corp reveals its two-word AI strategy. The BBC publishes its charter wishlist. And in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we put your bluffing skills to the test.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us to score each episode and she and her team can do it for you too at https://www.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://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:

All3Media and Banijay to merge

ITV deal still in contention for Banijay too

Paramount beats Netflix for Warner Bros -

Newscorp's AI strategy: Woo & Sue

BBC’s Charter Renewal Strategy

WPP's Advertising Intelligence Framework report

Reach Digital Revenue Down

Kyle & Jackie O's $100m contract terminated

Lovejoy To Get A Reboot

Telegraph Censured Over Fictional Family

Journalists Replaced By Misleading AI writers

Epstein Podcast is made entirely by AI

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Just what went wrong on the BBC's BAFTA edit? And how did the afternoon unfold for audience members? Talent agent Alex Segal was in the room when it happened.

Also on the show: the government moves to bring Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video under Ofcom regulation for the first time; Goalhanger tells TV commissioners they’ve got young audiences wrong; the Paramount vs Netflix bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery ratchets up; ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at the London Screenings; Peter Wright gives evidence in the Harry phone-hacking trial; Clive Dickens reports from the AI front line… and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we play Slate or Fake — London TV Screenings edition.

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:

BAFTA's Tourette Incident Derails Awards Celebrations - and Alex's take

Streamers to come under Ofcom's jurisdiction 

Goalhanger chief says TV commissioners giving up on young audiences

BBC Studios eyeing acquisitions, 

Acast says it's conscious of ad load

Paramount raises WBD bid to $31 a share

ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at London Screenings

Doctor Foster returns for final series with Suranne Jones

Former Mail on Sunday editor gives evidence in Harry phone-hacking trial

Variety's Picks Of The Week

Police media guidelines updated

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Apple Podcasts finally joins the video revolution — but is it too late to the party? Entertainment journalist Jamie East has the remote.

Also on the show: Sky wants ITV — but does the deal still have legs? Broadcast’s senior reporter Heather Fallon has been following every twist.

All that plus: The 1% Club conquers the world, the Broadcast Awards winners are in... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we wage war on the media landscape.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex 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:

Apple Podcasts embraces video

SKY-ITV talks reportedly slowing

1% Club reaches new sales heights 

Broadcast Award winners

Nandy Launches CMA Probe Into Telegraph Deal

26% of UK Now Listen to Podcasts Weekly (RAJAR MIDAS)

WBD Gives Paramount Seven Days to Make Best Offer

Mill Media expands to Leeds

BBC Considers Opening Up iPlayer

Channel 4 Brings YT Comedy Channel to Spotify

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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.