As the greats of the press descend on London for the Truth Tellers annual conference, Politico's Allison Hoffman talks to The Media Club about SLAPPS and the other obstacles to getting a story out there.

Also on the show: broadcaster - and now formats geek - Richard Bacon on his new podcast, Why Are You More Successful Than Me? A question, of course, we will also be asking.

All that plus: a celebrated sports exec bids farewell to Channel 4 - and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we reveal some major plot twists.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selected the music to score this edition and he and the 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

Wall St Journal warns of waning press freedom

Mill Media’s legal threat

BBC News hit hardest by new cuts 

C4's head of sport moves to Whisper 

Letterman On Future Of Late Night

https://deadline.com/2026/05/dept-q-netflix-left-bank-training-programme-1236877887/

Acast makes first profit evs

Name That Tune is BACK

The Epstein Files are BACK

Celebrity Traitors is BACK

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

200 companies pitched for the BBC and NBC's next global format - and the winner is a partnership between Expectation and Plegazoid. CMG Productions' Claire McArdle, making her debut today, on what it takes to design something that can travel.

Also on the show: Sky News is remaking itself as a premium, subscription-first newsroom by 2030. Gold Wala's Faraz Osman on whether that's a strategy or a euphemism.

All that plus: The Ankler leaves Substack. Patreon launches Quips. iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talks. And The Audio Network Media Quiz - three stories that all end with something unexpected.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selected the music to score this game and he and the team can do it for you too, at audionetwork.com

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

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.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Expectation and Plegazoid win BBC-NBCU format tender

Sky News unveils premium video-first strategy

The Ankler leaves Substack for new platform

Patreon launches Quips and discovery network

iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talks

Barclay Brothers settle with HSBC

Sophie Jones named new RTS CEO

Marvellous Miniature Workshop renewed for 20 episodes

Trump claims BBC used AI in Jan 6 edit

Allison Pearson cleared to sue Essex Police

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YouTube is officially an audio platform. Karin Robinson, Senior Director of Strategy at Edelman, on whether we all need to open our eyes.

Also on the show: as the Warner Brothers deal is signed off by the shareholders... STV Studios CEO David Mortimer on mergers, acquisitions and more in the TV sector. 

All that plus: Channel 4 launches a root-and-branch review... and there’s The Audio Network Media Quiz, where we test our guests’ grasp of the week’s news... by dropping some big names.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Ben selects the music to score each episode and he and the team can do it for you too at audionetwork.com

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

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.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

YouTube and SiriusXM partner on audio advertising

Sounds Profitable Audio Primes 2026 report

Channel 4 launches strategic review under Priya Dogra

Channel 4: runners and riders to replace Ian Katz

Sky News launches paywalled content

Standard website now run by Independent

Onion to lease Infowars

BBC Buys In Traitors India

Richard Bacon Interviews More Successful People

Journalist On The Hook For £14k After Investigation

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Ian Katz leaves Channel 4, and the BBC has announced up to 2,000 job cuts. Broadcast Magazine's Rebecca Cooney on a big week in TV.

Also on the show: it’s a rare podcast to TV journey - except that the podcast was never finished. TV director Simon Draper joins us to talk about his new documentary, and what it says about the jobs crisis still facing the TV industry.

All that plus: Gary Neville buys 'those bloody YouTubers'... Trump's libel campaign runs aground... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we rise above the politics.

The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us each episode - and this week, her team's music features in Simon's documentary too. Find out more at: audionetwork.com

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

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.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

Ian Katz leaves Channel 4 After 9 Years

BBC announces latest round of cuts 

The BBC has launched it's first YouTube docs

Gary Neville’s buys 'those bloody YouTubers'

Trump’s Libel cases fall apart

Telegraph takeover cleared

ASA rules on Lidl and Iceland junk food ads

SNL UK announces new guest hosts

Boris Johnson heading to Ukraine for 5

Scott Mills' replacement to be a wildcard

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

SNL UK launches on Sky One as news emerges over the cost of production. Can the show defy the early critics? And what is Sky seeking to get from its extended run, beyond a repost from President Trump?

Huw Edwards attacks the Channel 5 drama about his downfall - but the show pulls 1.5 million viewers anyway. Alex Hudson joins us to ask whether any sympathy is owed. 

Also: Matt Brittin becomes the BBC's 18th Director General - a Google man with no journalism experience. What does that mean for the corporation at the most critical moment in its history?

And in Part Two, we sit down with Tom Price, Content Distribution Director at Roku, who's just launched five new ITV Studios FAST channels in the UK - and has thoughts on whether human curation is dead.

All that plus: Edinburgh TV Festival picks its shortlist, Global Studios gets a new boss... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we visit the parallel universe where none of the news happened.

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 audionetwork.com

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

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.

What The Media Club has been reading this week:

SNL Budget a rumoured £2m/episode

Huw Edwards' attacks Channel 4 drama

Donald Trump Reposts SNL UK Cold Open

Prince Harry case faces setback

Matt Brittin becomes new BBC DG 

TV Festival 2027 venue shortlist announced

Craig Hunter to head up Global Studios

Ghosts Tops Adaptations Hitlist

Stephen Colbert to enter the Shires

Mr Benn Movie

Sora closed by OpenAI

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Matt Brittin is being lined up to replace Tim Davie at the BBC - but first, a speech, and a Culture Secretary with a parting gift. Media writer Kate Bulkley and Edelman's Karin Robinson decode a week in BBC politics.

Also on the show: a new Policing and Media Charter promises journalists they can pick up the phone again - and Reach takes the BBC to task over local news dominance in its charter consultation response.

All that plus: the BPG Award winners, the FCC's war on independent news - and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, it is time for the Weekend Update.

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:

Lisa Nandy signals to BBC that permenant charter is within reach

DG Davie's Swansong speech

Police to have dedicated contact for journalists

Reach accuses BBC of damaging local news

The FCC and its war against independent news

BBC Asks Court To Throw Out Trump Case - as Trump cries AI

New Partners Announced for Apple Podcast Video product

SNL UK launches this Saturday. Can it make a splash?

Sony Exits The Octopod

Disney takes a pass on the Buffy reboot

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

The Daily Telegraph has a new, new, new suitor - and it's Axel Springer, who has beaten the Daily Mail with a £575 million bid for Telegraph Media Group. Media historian Maggie Brown on what the new owners inherit.

Also on the show: Banijay and All3Media announce an $8 billion mega-merger, creating the world's largest independent TV production group. Juan Delgado, CEO of Footballco, on what consolidation at this scale means for the industry.

All that plus: the BBC's podcast deal for indies takes its first steps, FIFA OKs ads in World Cup hydration breaks, and in the Audio Network Media Quiz - Long Lost Revenue.

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:

Axel Springer to acquire Telegraph Media Group for £575m

Banijay and All3Media merge in $8bn deal

Elis James and John Robins podcast goes commercial under BBC Audio Release Policy

FIFA to allow World Cup hydration break ads for broadcasters

GB News losses narrow to £22m as revenue jumps 58%

Podimo hires ex-Netflix, BBC and Disney execs in video push

PodBean switches off dynamic ad insertion in Europe

Junk food ad ban criticised as ineffective by health experts

Mail on Sunday staff take the stand in Harry case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.