The Media Club · 16 October 2026 · 40 min

Ben Frow Takes A Bow

This episode of The Media Club with Matt Deegan covers a busy week in UK media. The main story is Ben Frow stepping down as Channel 5's chief content officer after 14 years, with Broadcast's Heather Fallon discussing his legacy and who might replace him. The show also examines new research showing new series launches falling across broadcasters and streamers, with Indielab founder Victoria Powell explaining what small indies can do about it and previewing GrowthLab London. Other topics include Lisa Nandy's intervention on the ITV-Sky merger, Marina Hyde's new Always On venture with Goalhanger, MIPCOM gossip, and the Audio Network Media Quiz.

Key takeaways

Ben Frow is stepping down as Channel 5's chief content officer after 14 years, leaving next summer and his Skydance role at the end of 2027.
New series launches are down across broadcasters and streamers, with Disney down 41% and Apple TV down 45% year-on-year.
Lisa Nandy has raised concerns about the ITV-Sky merger's impact on free expression, news plurality, and regional news.
Marina Hyde has launched Always On, a personal media brand in partnership with Goalhanger, including a Substack and YouTube show.
GrowthLab London takes place on 17th November at the Barbican, with eight broadcasters and streamers attending.

In this episode

Intro and plus ones0:00 · Matt Deegan introduces guests Heather Fallon and Victoria Powell, who choose their plus ones.
Ben Frow departure5:00 · Discussion of Ben Frow stepping down at Channel 5, his legacy, and who might replace him.
ITV-Sky merger15:00 · Lisa Nandy's intervention on the ITV-Sky deal and its implications.
MIPCOM and new launches decline22:00 · Analysis of falling new series launches and MIPCOM industry mood.
Marina Hyde Always On30:00 · Discussion of Marina Hyde's new venture with Goalhanger.
Ad break35:00 · Podcast Discovery and Podshop Studios sponsor reads.
Other news stories38:00 · BBC vs Trump, Fox Creator Studios, Ian Hislop 40 years at Private Eye.
GrowthLab London42:00 · Victoria Powell previews the GrowthLab London event.
Microdramas and MIPCOM gossip50:00 · Discussion of microdramas and MIPCOM atmosphere.
Audio Network Media Quiz55:00 · The drawing room quiz with three media stories.
Outro and plugs65:00 · Heather and Victoria share where to follow their work.
Retrospectors trailer68:00 · Promo for Today in History with the Retrospectors.