The Media Club · 12 September 2025 · 49 min
Are Journalists Now Influencers Too?
- Murdoch Succession
- Journalists vs Influencers
- CISA Anti-Bullying Body
- Observer Tortoise Takeover
- AI-Generated Content
- NTA Awards
- BBC Charter Renewal
- Streamer Funding
In this episode of The Media Club, host Matt Deegan is joined by Alex Hudson, editor-in-chief of Everything Popular is Wrong, and TV critic Scott Bryan. They discuss the recent Murdoch succession, where Lachlan Murdoch was officially named successor, and the implications for News Corp's media properties. The conversation also covers Lisa Nandy's criticism of streamers and production companies for not funding the new anti-bullying body CISA, the Observer's changes under Tortoise ownership, and the NTAs. The main feature explores whether journalists are becoming more like influencers, sparked by an online spat between Jeremiah Johnson and Taylor Lorenz. The episode includes the Media Quiz, sponsored by Audio Network, and ends with recommendations.
Key takeaways
- Lachlan Murdoch was officially named successor to News Corp, with siblings receiving $1.1 billion each.
- Lisa Nandy criticised streamers and production companies for not funding the new anti-bullying body CISA.
- The Observer under Tortoise has cut weekend staff and is working on a digital subscription model.
- The NTAs saw Gary Lineker win Best Presenter, and Adolescence won Best New Drama.
- The episode explored the blurring line between journalists and influencers, citing Taylor Lorenz and Jeremiah Johnson's spat.
In this episode
- Intro and Club Additions
- Media Headlines: Murdoch Succession
- Lisa Nandy and CISA
- Observer Changes
- AI-Generated Content
- Journalists vs Influencers
- NTAs Review
- Media Quiz
- Outro and Recommendations
Notable quotes
“I would like to add Ellen Scott, who's the digital editor of Starlights magazine, whose book, Working on Purpose, has just come out.”
“It's a bit like being back at school when there's like a popularity contest about who's going to be head boy and head girl.”
“The prize is the future of right-wing thought across the English language Western media.”
“I think it's an ending that I think was the most likely one, really.”
“I think it's worthwhile pointing out that the fact that she's remaining in the position, I mean, A, we know who she is because the amount of times that there's been a change in rotation of the person who ends up having this role has been ridiculous.”
“I turned all my ad blockers off when I was researching it and I still can't find an ad anywhere.”
Discussed
Lachlan Murdoch · Rupert Murdoch · Lisa Nandy · Taylor Lorenz · News Corp · BBC · The Observer · Tortoise Media
Mentioned or recommended
- The Choir
- Adolescence
- The Traitors
- I'm a Celebrity
- Call the Midwife
- MasterChef
- Wolf Hall
- Working on Purpose
- The Salt Path
- Gavin and Stacey
- Wallace and Gromit
- Mr Bates vs The Post Office
- Chicken Shop Date
- Our Big Shot
- When Science Finds a Way
- How to Get Wet When You're Dry
