The Media Club with Matt Deegan

Sky’s £16m SNL Bet

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 [https://www.audionetwork.com] We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio [https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio] Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com [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: SNL Budget a rumoured £2m/episode [https://variety.com/2026/tv/global/snl-uk-episode-budget-2-million-pounds-1236696510/] Huw Edwards' attacks Channel 4 drama [https://deadline.com/2026/03/huw-edwards-statement-martin-clunes-drama-1236762807/] Donald Trump Reposts SNL UK Cold Open [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cly6glydjl8o] Prince Harry case faces setback [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/signature-on-crucial-prince-harry-privacy-case-statement-forged-says-private-eye/] Matt Brittin becomes new BBC DG  [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/25/new-bbc-director-general-matt-brittin-former-google-executive-olympic-rower] TV Festival 2027 venue shortlist announced [https://mailchi.mp/thetvfestival.com/city-bids-shortlist?e=h4NSYVWy5g] Craig Hunter to head up Global Studios [https://deadline.com/2026/03/global-studios-hires-craig-hunter-md-the-news-agents-1236762788/] Ghosts Tops Adaptations Hitlist [https://deadline.com/2026/03/ghosts-top-selling-scripted-format-2025-doctor-foster-call-my-agent-1236765146/] Stephen Colbert to enter the Shires [https://deadline.com/2026/03/stephen-colbert-lord-of-the-rings-1236764923/] Mr Benn Movie [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/24/live-action-mr-benn-movie-bbc-series-i-swear-director-kirk-jones] Sora closed by OpenAI [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/production-and-post/openai-closes-sora-ending-1bn-disney-deal/5215146.article] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Brittin's Empire - New DG Set To Be Announced

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 [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/bbc/bbc-on-brink-of-securing-permanent-charter/5214919.article] DG Davie's Swansong speech [https://deadline.com/2026/03/bbc-tim-davie-final-speech-netflix-charter-renewal-iplayer-1236751083/] Police to have dedicated contact for journalists [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/breakthrough-for-crime-reporters-as-police-prs-agree-to-answer-the-phone/] Reach accuses BBC of damaging local news [https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/reach-attacks-bbcs-aggressive-expansion-into-local-news/] The FCC and its war against independent news [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/14/fcc-broadcast-permits-iran-war-news] BBC Asks Court To Throw Out Trump Case [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/16/bbc-us-court-throw-out-donald-trump-10bn-lawsuit-chilling-effect] - as Trump cries AI [https://deadline.com/2026/03/trump-falsely-accuses-bbc-ai-doctor-capitol-riots-speech-1236758273/] New Partners Announced for Apple Podcast Video product [https://podnews.net/update/apple-podcasts-video-partners?_bhlid=be4909cf7ee0a607b1ce1ddd5d3ff5a7ee8a1411#story1] SNL UK launches this Saturday. Can it make a splash? [https://deadline.com/2026/03/saturday-night-live-uk-guest-hosts-tina-fey-jamie-dornan-riz-ahmed-1236756907/] Sony Exits The Octopod [https://deadline.com/2026/03/octonauts-season-7-8-bbc-netflix-wanda-buys-sony-stake-1236757815/] Disney takes a pass on the Buffy reboot [https://deadline.com/2026/03/buffy-inside-story-reboot-killed-why-sarah-michelle-gellar-1236757372/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Telegraph Deal Take #4... and are you World Cup Ready?

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 [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/axel-springer-ousts-dmgt-with-deal-to-buy-telegraph-for-575m/] Banijay and All3Media merge in $8bn deal [https://deadline.com/2026/03/banijay-all3media-deal-done-1236742713/] Elis James and John Robins podcast goes commercial under BBC Audio Release Policy [https://podnews.net/press-release/elis-john-audioalways] FIFA to allow World Cup hydration break ads for broadcasters [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/fifa-to-allow-world-cup-hydration-break-ads-for-broadcasters/5214634.article] GB News losses narrow to £22m as revenue jumps 58% [https://pressgazette.co.uk/media_business/gb-news-losses-2025/] Podimo hires ex-Netflix, BBC and Disney execs in video push [https://www.televisual.com/news/podcast-co-podimo-hires-bbc-netflix-google-execs/] PodBean switches off dynamic ad insertion in Europe [https://podnews.net/update/podbean-switches-off-dai] Junk food ad ban criticised as ineffective by health experts [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/10/uk-junk-food-ad-ban-so-diluted-it-may-be-largely-ineffective-experts-say] Mail on Sunday staff take the stand in Harry case [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/mails-katie-nicholl-says-nonsense-hacking-claims-damaged-her-career/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back

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 [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/03/banijay-group-to-form-38bn-television-super-indie-with-the-traitors-producers] ITV deal still in contention for Banijay too [https://deadline.com/2026/03/banijay-itv-studios-redbird-interest-consolidation-1236743373/] Paramount beats Netflix for Warner Bros [https://uk.themedialeader.com/how-big-is-paramounts-debt-problem/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz--TwNzRCNUH_2LuY28eNdSQY7QtPG6MaD_212El9Jyb-JSzQcopDXSzldG5tmmFEFkHjp0y561aIQKBlILAtE7NmHfN9Q&_hsmi=406757066]- Newscorp's AI strategy: Woo & Sue [https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-signs-a-multimillion-dollar-ai-licensing-deal-with-news-corp-234157902.html] BBC’s Charter Renewal Strategy [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/05/bbc-charter-renewal-tv-licence-major-overhaul] WPP's Advertising Intelligence Framework report [https://uk.themedialeader.com/the-future-of-agencies-the-hidden-cost-of-designing-for-ai/] Reach Digital Revenue Down [https://pressgazette.co.uk/media_business/plunging-google-discover-traffic-hits-reach-digital-revenue/] Kyle & Jackie O's $100m contract terminated [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15608895/Kyle-Jackie-O-Henderson-Sandilands-suspended.html] Lovejoy To Get A Reboot [https://deadline.com/2026/03/lovejoy-tv-remake-see-saw-films-bbc-ian-mcshane-1236743392/] Telegraph Censured Over Fictional Family [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/03/telegraph-censured-fabricated-story-banker-struggle-pay-school-fees] Journalists Replaced By Misleading AI writers [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/staff-journalists-sacked-and-misleadingly-replaced-with-ai-writers/] Epstein Podcast is made entirely by AI [https://www.fastcompany.com/91497873/epstein-files-ai-podcast-adam-levy] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

That BAFTA edit, Mip London & AI Updates

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 [http://tourette/] - and Alex's take [https://intertalent.substack.com/p/my-key-takeaways-from-the-2026-film] Streamers to come under Ofcom's jurisdiction [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/24/netflix-disney-prime-video-uk-regulator-ofcom]  Goalhanger chief says TV commissioners giving up on young audiences [https://deadline.com/2026/02/goalhanger-podcasts-rest-is-history-myths-1236733392/] BBC Studios eyeing acquisitions [https://deadline.com/2026/02/bbc-studios-bosses-on-bluey-microdrama-streaming-1236732960/],  Acast says it's conscious of ad load [https://www.acast.com/en-gb/press-room/live-from-mip-london] Paramount raises WBD bid to $31 a share [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/paramount-skydance-bid-warner-bros-discovery] ITV Studios launches Studio 55 at London Screenings [https://deadline.com/2026/02/itv-studios-launch-studio-55-content-creators-love-island-1236735540/] Doctor Foster returns for final series with Suranne Jones [Doctor Foster returns] Former Mail on Sunday editor gives evidence in Harry phone-hacking trial [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/stories-came-from-lonely-celebs-and-hangers-on-says-former-mail-on-sunday-editor/] Variety's Picks Of The Week [https://variety.com/2026/tv/markets-festivals/london-tv-screenings-must-track-titles-s-w-a-t-exiles-1236670040/] Police media guidelines updated [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/police-media-guidelines-updated/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.