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The Guardian - UK

presented by Hugh Muir and produced by Matt Hill

Media Talk podcast: can the BBC regain the initiative?

Hugh Muir sits in for John Plunkett to digest the week's media news, including the BBC's new plans for the iPlayer.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Tony Hall revealed new exclusive content from comedians Frankie Boyle and Bob Mortimer, plus documentaries by Adam Curtis. But will this online adventure damage the BBC's case as it looks to keep TV licence fee evasion a criminal offence?

MediaGuardian writer Maggie Brown and Folder Media creative director Matt Deegan outline the challenges facing the BBC as it threatens to cut services if charter renewal doesn't link the annual fee to inflation – and Michael White offers some context from Westminster.

Also in the programme, the panel discuss the vox pop that went wrong for Channel 4 News and share their own memories of being sent out to canvass opinion. Plus, Getty Images goes free online – what will it mean for photographers?

Sam Wollaston is also on hand to review Astronauts: Live in Space and Shetland.

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