
The Media Club · 24 April 2026 · 54 min
YouTube’s Audio Ads, Channel 4's Big Shake-Up
- YouTube Audio Advertising
- Channel 4 Strategic Review
- STV Studios Growth
- Freelance TV Industry Challenges
- AI Impact on Creative Roles
- BBC Charter Renewal
- Media Quiz
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 Ones
- YouTube and SiriusXM Deal
- Channel 4 Strategic Review
- STV Studios Interview
- Quickfire Questions
- Audio Network Media Quiz
Notable quotes
“YouTube and Netflix have won. The battle is over, although it's never that simple, is it?”
“People like people.”
“Do not take journalists to court.”
“I think it's going to have to be someone big, ambitious.”
Discussed
YouTube · Channel 4 · STV Studios
Mentioned or recommended
- The Traitors
- Criminal Record
- Louis Theroux Weed Weekends
- Dragon's Den
- The Mob
- Release the Hounds
- Cash Cap
- MasterChef
- Blue Lights
- Game of War
- Gogglebox
- The Traitors India
- Why Are You More Successful Than Me
- SNL UK
- 71 Degrees North
- The Witness
- The 1% Club
- Sounds Profitable Audio Primes 2026







