Enter the Metrics: What Counts As A ‘Play’ These Days?

Is The BBC In Jeopardy? Plus: Zeteo UK soft launch

The BBC's annual report lands with a sharp rise in licence fee dodgers and a stark warning from new Director General Matt Brittin that the corporation is being held back by its own funding model. LBC's Iain Dale gives us his verdict on where Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's plan to widen the licence fee to streamers goes next. ** WIN A £50 John Lewis voucher - simply fill in our listener survey, and help us shape the future of the show. You’ll be entered into a prize draw. Do it now. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiTi2YWrL5rJkQf-9lHbwoHxW22BkvjH2g41Ynsy-StqPtAg/viewform?usp=header] ** Also on the show: a new name in British political journalism. Shehab Khan has left ITV News to become political editor of Zeteo UK, the British outpost of Mehdi Hasan's insurgent US operation. He tells us why. All that plus: as AI learns to remix the news into whatever shape you fancy, we ask what's left for journalists to do... Banijay and All3Media complete their merger to create an £8billion giant, and Edinburgh says goodbye to its TV Festival... and in the Audio Network Media Quiz, an annual tradition returns, as we play Play Your BBC Salaries Right. 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 [https://audionetwork.com] We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at podshoponline.co.uk [http://podshoponline.co.uk] Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at themediaclub.com [https://themediaclub.com] A Rethink Audio [https://www.rethinkaudio.com] production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery [https://www.podcastdiscovery.com]. What The Media Club has been reading this week: BBC Annual Report: licence payers fall fastest in years [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jul/14/bbc-faces-real-jeopardy-as-licence-fee-payments-fall-faster-than-expected] Nandy floats a streaming levy for BBC funding [https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/current-affairs/tv-licence-fee-streaming-services-uk-culture-secretary-newsupdate/] Zeteo UK unveiled with Shehab Khan as political editor [https://zeteo.uk/p/watch-shehab-khan-brings-zeteo-uk] Claude's 'liquid content' a serious challenge for news media [https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/digital-journalism/claudes-ability-to-remix-liquid-content-is-serious-challenge-for-news-media/] Banijay and All3Media complete $8bn merger [https://deadline.com/2026/07/jeff-zucker-marco-bassetti-on-banijay-all3media-merger-plan-1236978452/] Edinburgh TV Festival's last schedule before Manchester move [https://mailchi.mp/thetvfestival.com/session-drops-2026?e=76227e36ae] BBC's highest paid journos [https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/highest-paid-bbc-journalists-2026-stephen-nolan/] Iain Dale's memoir Have I Said Too Much? published [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Said-Too-Much-Politics/dp/1837360723] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Mail's Big Win, Sky's Bigger Buy

A High Court judge throws out Prince Harry’s privacy case against the Daily Mail's publisher, on every count. Guardian media editor Michael Savage sifts through the wreckage. Also on the show: Sky agrees a £1.6bn deal to buy ITV's channels and ITVX - reshaping British broadcasting overnight.  Clive Dickens of The Meliora Company joins us for our now traditional, biannual AI roundup... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we're heading back to Saturday mornings. 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: Prince Harry loses privacy case against the Daily Mail [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jul/07/prince-harry-lawsuit-mail-publisher-phone-hacking-claims] Paul Dacre's reaction to the verdict [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/paul-dacre-prince-harry-daily-mail-privacy-case-reaction/] Sky agrees £1.6bn takeover of ITV's broadcasting arm [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/06/sky-owner-announces-16bn-takeover-of-itvs-broadcasting-arm] What the Sky/ITV deal means for ITV News [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/itv-news-commitments-unclear-2034-sky-takeover/] Is ITV Studios next in line for a takeover? [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcast-international/banijay-all3-mediawan-likely-suitors-for-itv-studios/5218350.article] Axel Springer promises AI transformation at Telegraph [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/axel-springer-promises-ai-powered-transformation-as-it-completes-telegraph-deal/] England's World Cup win breaks BBC viewing records [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jul/07/england-world-cup-win-mexico-breaks-viewing-records-bbc] Ludwig recommissioned for series three [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/bbc/ludwig-recommissioned-ahead-of-series-two-launch/5218422.article] Matt Brittin to make Edinburgh TV Festival debut [https://deadline.com/2026/07/bbc-matt-brittin-edinburgh-tv-festival-1236975433/] BBC told to review acquisitions after Scooby-Doo criticism [https://deadline.com/2026/07/bbc-review-acquisitions-outbidding-rivals-scooby-doo-1236976761/] Bluey gets its first audiobook collection [https://deadline.com/2026/07/bluey-first-audiobook-collection-penguin-random-house-bbc-1236974586/] Channel 4 orders Taskmaster family spin-off [https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2026/07/09/60942/channel_4_confirms_taskmaster_spin-off] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Sky Commits To Coronation Street; Radio 4 Commits To TikTok

Sky puts its money where its mouth is, pledging billions to secure Coronation Street and Love Island as it closes in on a takeover of ITV's channels. But with Sky's own parent company announcing a split this week, what does it all mean for Sky News? TV critic and producer Steven D Wright weighs up the deal. Also on the show: Radio 4's Today programme is being told to put TikTok before its own airwaves. Is the nation's most trusted news alarm clock about to lose its edge? And with the Guardian announcing dozens of new digital jobs of its own, freelance media journalist Tara Conlan - who writes for the Guardian amongst others - on an industry that can't stop chasing the feed. All that plus: the Telegraph finally gets a permanent owner, the Culture Secretary takes aim at another media mega-merger... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we open the boxes on the week's biggest deals. 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 [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 [https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio] Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at https://themediaclub.com [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: Sky's £2bn Pledge As It Preps ITV Takeover [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/28/sky-makes-spending-pledge-as-it-prepares-takeover-of-itv-broadcasting-arm] Comcast To Split Off NBCUniversal And Sky [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/29/comcast-spin-off-nbcuniversal-sky-media-mobile-cable-broadband] Today Programme Told To Prioritise TikTok Over Radio [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/27/today-programme-bbc-social-digital-content-radio-4] Guardian To Create 55 New Digital Jobs [https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/nationals/guardian-to-create-55-new-jobs-in-digital-and-global-push/] Trevor Nelson Takes A Break From Broadcasting [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/26/radio-2-dj-trevor-nelson-taking-break-from-broadcasting-over-health-issues] Zoe Ball Bags Daily Show On Greatest Hits Radio [https://radiotoday.co.uk/2026/06/zoe-ball-bags-daily-show-on-greatest-hits-radio/] Expectation Hires Mettlemouse's Katrina Grant [https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/indies/expectation-makes-major-development-hire-for-entertainment/5218152.article] Mill Media Wins Costly Source Protection Battle [https://pressgazette.co.uk/media_law/court-sets-precedent-on-source-protection-in-westgaph-mill-media-case/] Telegraph Sale To Axel Springer Completes [https://deadline.com/2026/06/daily-telegraph-alex-springer-sale-completed-1236970844/] Nandy Minded To Refer Paramount/WBD Deal [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/30/uk-intervene-paramount-takeover-warner-bros-discovery] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Are Freeview's days numbered?

Are Freeview's days numbered? Sam Sharps, Chief Executive of The Connection Project, walks us through the Government's Media Green Paper. Also on the show: Fox is acquiring Roku for $22bn. Journalist Kate Bulkley on what Lachlan Murdoch is really buying. All that plus: the Edinburgh TV Festival becomes the Manchester TV Festival, Sky edges closer to buying ITV’s channels… and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we head into the laboratory. That’s all happening in this edition of The Media Club. Come on in! 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 [https://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://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: Government green paper sets out plan to switch off terrestrial TV [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation] DTT switch-off plans raise concerns for radio [https://radiotoday.co.uk/2026/06/dtt-switch-off-plans-raise-concerns-for-radio/] Fox is buying Roku in a $22 billion deal [https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/fox-is-buying-roku-in-22-billion-deal/ar-AA25FIgx] Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Greater Manchester [https://deadline.com/2026/06/edinburgh-tv-festival-relocating-to-greater-manchester-2027-1236964385/] Time and Axios turn AI prominence into advertising revenue [https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/time-and-axios-turn-ai-prominence-into-advertising-revenue/] BBC to test news channel on YouTube [https://deadline.com/2026/06/bbc-test-news-channel-stream-youtube-1236965250/] Universal Ads launches in the UK [https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/universal-ads-launches-uk-across-channel-4-itv-sky/1962642] Kyle Sandilands reaches settlement with ARN [https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/kyle-sandilands-arn-settlement/] Piers Morgan backed by Liz Murdoch in $27m raise [https://deadline.com/2026/06/piers-morgan-liz-murdoch-27m-raise-uncensored-1236964885/] UK couple reacquire Lake FM in New York [https://radiotoday.co.uk/2026/06/uk-couple-reacquire-lake-fm-in-new-york/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Enter the Metrics: What Counts As A ‘Play’ These Days?

When is a play, not a play? Or a download not a download? As Spotify updates its analytics, we take a look at how YouTube, Apple and others define what we monetise. Elsewhere, the BBC outlines where the axe will fall. Broadcast consultant Paul Robinson, a veteran of both the BBC and this podcast, tells us more. Also on the podcast: who’s training the next generation of content makers? Prince Taylor, Executive Producer of Latent Pictures, on whether high-end TV training is actually in good shape. All that plus: the Government bans social media for the under-sixteens - is this the moment kids’ platforms have been waiting for? And, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, three more media stories where reality is up for grabs. 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: BBC to cancel shows and review channels as it cuts content spend [https://deadline.com/2026/06/bbc-cancel-shows-review-tv-networks-content-cuts-1236958166/] UK social media ban raises digital advertising questions [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/17/uk-social-media-ban-digital-advertising-snapchat-instagram-youtube] Spotify redefines a ‘play’ [https://podnews.net/update/spotify-amp-play] BBC launches 3D World Cup experience [https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39397125/bbc-immersive-3d-world-cup-app-fan-experience/] BBC made second Ashley Cain series despite alleged misconduct [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/18/bbc-made-second-ashley-cain-tv-series-despite-alleged-misconduct] Tech platforms overtake news outlets as global news source [https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/digital-journalism/news-publishing-trends-for-2026/] Sara Cox sets BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show date [https://radiotoday.co.uk/2026/06/sara-cox-sets-bbc-radio-2-breakfast-show-date/] Roger Cook, investigative reporter, dies aged 83 [https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/tv/trailblazing-investigative-reporter-roger-cook-dies/ar-AA25FQUO] Rivals renewed for Season 3 [https://deadline.com/2026/06/rivals-season-3-disney-plus-hulu-david-tennant-danny-dyer-1236957194/] The Traitors stage show to have 5 different plots [https://www.radiotimes.com/going-out/the-traitors-stage-show-new-format-newsupdate/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.