Matt Deegan

The Media Club · 24 April 2026 · 54 min

YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up

With Karin Robinson, David Mortimer

Listen at themediaclub.com →AppleSpotify

In this episode of The Media Club, host Matt Deegan is joined by Karin Robinson, Senior Director of Strategy at Edelman, and David Mortimer, CEO of STV Studios. They discuss YouTube's partnership with SiriusXM for audio advertising, the implications of YouTube as a dominant audio and video platform, and Channel 4's strategic review under new CEO Priya Dogra following the departure of Chief Content Officer Ian Katz. The conversation also covers STV Studios' growth and acquisition strategy, the challenges facing freelancers in the TV industry, and the impact of AI on creative roles. The episode includes the Audio Network Media Quiz, where guests identify news stories from clues, and quickfire predictions on industry moves.

Key takeaways

  • YouTube has partnered with SiriusXM to broker audio-specific advertising, highlighting YouTube's significant audio-first listener base.
  • Channel 4 has launched a root-and-branch strategic review under new CEO Priya Dogra, following the departure of Chief Content Officer Ian Katz.
  • STV Studios has grown from a £2 million to a £90 million business in seven years, now comprising 20 production companies.
  • David Mortimer predicts Sky will buy ITV's broadcast channels and that the BBC will get a good charter settlement.
  • The Onion plans to lease InfoWars from Alex Jones, pending judge approval.

In this episode

  • Introduction and Plus Ones0:00 · Hosts introduce guests and discuss their plus ones.
  • YouTube and SiriusXM Deal0:00 · Discussion on YouTube's audio advertising partnership with SiriusXM.
  • Channel 4 Strategic Review0:00 · Analysis of Channel 4's review and leadership changes.
  • STV Studios Interview0:00 · David Mortimer discusses STV Studios' growth and industry challenges.
  • Quickfire Questions0:00 · Rapid predictions on industry moves.
  • Audio Network Media Quiz0:00 · Guests identify news stories from clues.

Notable quotes

“YouTube and Netflix have won. The battle is over, although it's never that simple, is it?”

David Mortimer · 0:00

“People like people.”

Karin Robinson · 0:00

“Do not take journalists to court.”

David Mortimer · 0:00

“I think it's going to have to be someone big, ambitious.”

David Mortimer · 0:00

Discussed

YouTube · Channel 4 · STV Studios

Also mentioned: Priya Dogra · Ian Katz · Sarah Cox · Scott Mills · Parker Posey · Grace Dent · Ana Haar · Matt Steiner · Adam Wood · Richard Bacon · Barney Chowdhury · Alex Jones · Kevin McKidd · Simon Draper · Charlotte Moore · Rob Wade · Stuart Murphy · Phil Edgar Jones · Ben Frau · David Brindley · Alisa Promero · Louisa Compton · Ash Attala · Gary Lineker

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