Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up

While BBC News loses another 100 roles, CNN comes knocking with a fiver-a-month UK subscription. Charlotte Tobitt from Press Gazette takes us through it. Also on the show: what’s actually working with AI in the newsroom - and what’s a waste of budget? Fergus Bell and Tom Trewinnard, co-founders of news consultancy Fathm, bring us a field guide from the newsrooms they’ve worked inside.

After 14 years of Yorkshire vets, cruise ships and All Creatures Great and Small, Ben Frow is stepping down at 5. Broadcast's Heather Fallon on the end of an era - and who could possibly follow him. Also on the show: new launches are down on broadcasters and streamers alike - and so are the bank balances of the people who make them. Indielab founder Victoria Powell on what small indies can do about it, and why the whole industry is heading to GrowthLab London at the Barbican. All that plus: Marina Hyde goes Always On, the gossip from MIPCOM... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we gather the suspects in the drawing room. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode - and the Audio Network 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: Ben Frow steps down at 5 Marina Hyde launches Always On with Goalhanger Netflix and Disney+ new launches down in 2026 GrowthLab London 2026 BBC asks court to make Trump sit for deposition Fox's Rob Wade: "We're not here to flip a house" Ian Hislop marks 40 years at Private Eye Girls returns to HBO Podnews Daily goes to video GTA VI gets podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC's director general wants the corporation to have "a little less conversation, a little more action" - but with BBC Three reportedly heading for the exit, are the staff all shook up? Gold Wala's Faraz Osman on what Matt Brittin's digital revolution means for the people who make the programmes. Also on the show: it's the first ever National Magazine Day. The Week Junior's editor Vanessa Harriss on why, in an age of endless screens, children are still reaching for paper. All that plus: Channel 4 finds its new content chief, Warner Bros. wakes up as Skydance... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we roll up the shutters on some abandoned lock-ups. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music to score each episode - and the Audio Network 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 boss Matt Brittin sets out a Silicon Valley-style revolution Brittin faces staff criticism over job cuts in junior ranks BBC Three and BBC Scotland channels face closure David Brindley set to be named Channel 4 content chief Paramount completes Warner Bros. Discovery takeover to form Skydance National Magazine Day 2026 Radio 2 Apologises Guardian ends casual staff practice Prof. Brian Cox trades radio for digital Bidders revealed for Doctor Who Goalhanger brings ad sales in house Rachel Jupp becomes new BBC News chief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years on from Remainiacs, Podmasters co-founder Martin Bojtos says we're nowhere near peak podcast - and MIDiA Research's Laura Fisher on why Gen Z are turning to radio for music discovery. Also on the show: Dave Masterman on building Significant Productions with Elis James and John Robins, and the Audio Academy's Aradhna Tayal Leach on the key takeaways from the Audio Festival in London. All that plus: we catch up with British Podcast Awards winners, Channel 4's hunt for a programme boss goes to a photo finish... and, in The Audio Network Media Quiz, we hand out some awards of our own. 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 audionetwork.com Recorded live at the Audio Academy Festival — thank you to the Audio Academy for having us. 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.

Where do people actually want to see your adverts – and where would they rather you just didn't? Kantar's Global Media Director Gonca Bubani gives us an early look at Media Reactions 2026. Also on the show: Strictly, Bake Off and the Grand Tour get a talent reboot. InterTalent MD Alex Segal – author of the Dealmakers Substack – on the stars refreshing old formats. All that plus: Trump’s latest salvo against the press sees him launch a YouTube channel, Piers Morgan gets an apology from Earl Spencer, Andy Burnham declares war on disinformation, the BBC blows the final whistle on its sports bulletins... and, in the Audio Network Media Quiz, we learn how to get rich quick. The Media Quiz is sponsored by Audio Network. Alex selects the music for us to score each episode 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: White House launches Trump TV on YouTube Burnham announces National Centre for Information Defence BBC to axe sports bulletins on its news channel Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan Kyle Sandilands to deliver an unforgettable keynote MipcomUK RIP Hearst returns to revenue growth Global Player offers ad-free subscriptions Disney+ Interupts Game For Ad Break Dealmakers with Alex Segal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.