Ginormo-indies, Netflix Loses WBD, BBC Fights Back
From The Media Club with Matt Deegan by Rethink Audio
March 6, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 343
About this episode
The episode discusses major media mergers, streaming competition, and the BBC's strategic plans.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Matt Deegan
Guests: Tara Conlan, Omar Oakes
Topics covered
- media mergers
- independent production
- streaming wars
- AI strategy
- BBC charter
- advertising intelligence
Keywords
- All3Media
- Banijay
- ITV Studios
- Netflix
- Warner Bros Discovery
- AI strategy
- BBC charter
- media quiz
Sponsors
Audio Network
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: All3Media, Banijay, ITV Studios, Paramount Skydance, Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery, News Corp, BBC, Podshop Studios, WPP
Books & works: Lovejoy
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