The Media Club · 5 May 2023 · 44 min

Writers' Strikes, Vice On The Brink, Farewell Richard Sharp

With Jim Waterson, Scott Bryan

Listen at themediaclub.com →AppleSpotify

• US Writers' Strike
• Vice News Financial Troubles
• BBC Chair Resignation
• BAFTA Diversity
• AI in Media
• Radio Academy Awards

In this episode of The Media Club, host Matt Deegan is joined by Guardian media correspondent Jim Waterson and media writer Scott Bryan to discuss the US writers' strike and its implications for the UK industry, the financial troubles at Vice News, and the resignation of BBC chair Richard Sharp. The conversation also covers BAFTA membership diversity data, the Radio Academy Awards, and a media quiz on AI failures. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the coronation and Eurovision.

Key takeaways

• The US writers' strike began, with the WGA calling for better pay and conditions; UK writers are supporting but the impact on UK productions is limited due to globalisation.
• Vice News is on the brink of financial collapse, with its valuation dropping from £5 billion to £1.5 billion, and no clear buyer has emerged.
• Richard Sharp resigned as BBC chair following an inquiry into his appointment, with the report revealing his conversations with Boris Johnson before applying.
• BAFTA published diversity data showing 58% male, 42% female, 16% from underrepresented groups, and 7% disabled, prompting calls for improvement.
• The Radio Academy Awards saw BBC dominate with 18 wins, while Global chose not to participate.

In this episode

• Introduction and News in Brief0:00 · Matt introduces the show and covers S4C bullying investigation, Guardian cartoon removal, and BBC local radio presenter changes.
• Prince Harry Phone Hacking Trials1:30 · Jim discusses the upcoming phone hacking trials involving Prince Harry and the Mirror.
• US Writers' Strike5:00 · Scott and Jim analyse the US writers' strike and its implications for the UK.
• Vice News on the Brink15:00 · Discussion on Vice News' financial troubles and the digital media boom and bust.
• Richard Sharp's Resignation25:00 · Analysis of Richard Sharp's resignation as BBC chair and its implications.
• BAFTA Diversity Data35:00 · Scott discusses BAFTA's membership diversity data and its implications.
• Radio Academy Awards40:00 · Matt talks about the Radio Academy Awards and Fun Kids' win.
• Media Quiz: AI Fails45:00 · The hosts quiz each other on AI-related media stories.
• Outro and Promotions55:00 · Wrap-up, plugs for Patreon and London Podcast Studios.

Notable quotes

“I've spent the last few days reading about I think I worked out about 200,000 words of legal filings to get all up to speed”

Jim Waterson · 0:00

“I've been writing 200,000 words of preparation for Eurovision.”

Scott Bryan · 0:00

“I still think it'll be cheaper just to get some humans who are desperate for the work to do it, wouldn't it?”

Jim Waterson · 0:00

“I do wonder whether Britain, like British writers, are just so used to being paid rubbish wages that they might suddenly. They've got more offers on the table.”

Jim Waterson · 0:00

“I've just got a big pile of cash from some venture capitalists, so I'm going to go and lie on it right now.”

Jim Waterson · 0:00

“I can't wait to see the accidental moment when an AI journalist gets sued for libel after accidentally summarising something wrong.”

Jim Waterson · 0:00

Discussed

BBC · Vice · BAFTA

Also mentioned: Richard Sharp · Boris Johnson · Prince Harry · Piers Morgan · Shane Smith · Gary Lineker · Alastair Campbell · Michael Schumacher · Tucker Carlson · Liz Truss · BuzzFeed · Netflix · Disney · Global · Amnesty International · The Guardian · Writers Guild of America · Substack · ITV · Channel 4 · S4C · Bectu · NewsGuard · Lincoln Project

Mentioned or recommended

• Eurovision Song Contest · event
• Coronation of King Charles III · event
• BAFTA TV Awards · event
• Radio Academy Awards · event
• Mission Transmission · other · Fun Kids