The Media Club · 8 May 2026 · 52 min

Richard Bacon: Formats Geek

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In this episode of The Media Club, host Matt Deegan is joined by Politico UK executive editor Allison Hoffman and broadcaster Richard Bacon. They discuss the challenges of journalism, including SLAPPs and legal threats, the BBC's news division cuts, and the departure of Channel 4's head of sport Pete Andrews. Richard Bacon talks about his new podcast 'Why Are You More Successful Than Me?' and his work in TV formats, while Allison shares insights into Politico's operations and the state of political journalism. The episode also features the Audio Network Media Quiz with plot twists about media stories.

Key takeaways

Politico's Allison Hoffman discussed the rise of SLAPP lawsuits and legal threats against journalists, citing the Gawker case as a canonical example.
BBC News is facing a 15% cost reduction as part of £600 million savings, steeper than the average 10% across the corporation.
Richard Bacon launched a new podcast 'Why Are You More Successful Than Me?' featuring interviews with Gary Lineker and Lynda La Plante.
Pete Andrews, Channel 4's head of sport, is leaving to become managing director of sport at Whisper.
The Audio Network Media Quiz revealed plot twists including the return of Name That Tune on ITV and the cast for Celebrity Traitors Series 2.

In this episode

Introduction and guest introductions0:00 · Matt Deegan introduces guests Allison Hoffman and Richard Bacon, and they each add a person to the club.
SLAPP lawsuits and legal threats5:00 · Discussion on SLAPP lawsuits, legal threats against journalists, and the impact on media freedom.
BBC news cuts15:00 · Analysis of the BBC's 15% news division cost reduction and its implications.
Channel 4 sport departure25:00 · Pete Andrews leaves Channel 4 for Whisper; discussion on Channel 4's sports output.
Richard Bacon's podcast and formats30:00 · Richard Bacon discusses his new podcast and his work in TV formats.
Politico operations and political journalism40:00 · Allison Hoffman talks about Politico's operations, the Playbook newsletter, and political journalism.
Audio Network Media Quiz50:00 · The quiz with plot twists about media stories.
Wrap-up and plugs60:00 · Final thanks and where to find the guests' work.

Notable quotes

“We publish without fear or favor.”
Allison Hoffman · 6:57

“The threat of a lawsuit is the point, I think.”
Richard Bacon · 0:00

“I have never ever known a time when they're not facing cuts, where they're not worried about cuts, when people are not looking over their shoulders, worrying about their jobs and worrying about their future.”
Richard Bacon · 16:27