Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up
MAY 1, 202653 MIN
Format Fever, Sky's Gamble, and The Creator Economy Grows Up
MAY 1, 202653 MIN
Description
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://audionetwork.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">audionetwork.com</a></p><p>We record at Podshop Studios - for 25% off your first booking, use the code MEDIACLUB at <a href="https://www.podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podshoponline.co.uk/services/podcast-studio</a></p><p>Become a member for FREE when you sign up for our newsletter at <a href="https://themediaclub.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">themediaclub.com</a></p><p>A Rethink Audio production, produced by Matt Hill with post-production from Podcast Discovery.</p><br><p><strong>What The Media Club has been reading this week:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/bbc-nbcuniversal-unscripted-format-development-successful-candidate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Expectation and Plegazoid win BBC-NBCU format tender</a></p><p><a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazette-events/why-sky-news-is-moving-beyond-commoditised-breaking-news/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sky News unveils premium video-first strategy</a></p><p><a href="https://theankler.com/the-anklers-next-chapter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ankler leaves Substack for new platform</a></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/156303474" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patreon launches Quips and discovery network</a></p><p><a href="https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/iheartmedia-siriusxm-merger-talks-azoff-apollo-advising-1236730151/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in merger talks</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/apr/29/barclay-brothers-hsbc-settlement-high-court" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barclay Brothers settle with HSBC</a></p><p><a href="https://deadline.com/2026/04/royal-television-society-unveils-ceo-sophie-jones-1236873227/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sophie Jones named new RTS CEO</a></p><p><a href="https://deadline.com/2026/04/marvellous-miniature-workshop-renewed-season-2-bbc-sara-cox-1236875539/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marvellous Miniature Workshop renewed for 20 episodes</a></p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-falsely-claims-bbc-used-ai-to-doctor-his-capitol-riot-speech/ar-AA21OviY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trump claims BBC used AI in Jan 6 edit</a></p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crr1gl21n19o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Allison Pearson cleared to sue Essex Police</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>