Welcome to this week’s Press Gazette Future of Media newsletter on Thursday, 2 October, supported by Q5 - experts in organisational health. Explore our latest insights on why video’s reign has only just begun.

🎥 In terms of time spent with its brands, Goalhanger is now one of the biggest publishers in the UK.

Which is an astonishing fact, given it launched its first regular podcast in 2019 (Ways of Making You Talk).

I spoke to co-founder Jack Davenport about how video (and Youtube in particular) has led to an explosion in reach for Goalhanger’s 13 regular shows (and why he no longer uses the term podcast).

He told me that Goalhanger now clocks up 70 million full-episode streams (average 40 minutes) per month across its portfolio. This is roughly equivalent to the monthly time spent by UK readers with the Mirror website (per Ipsos iris data).

Davenport also told me why Goalhanger’s star presenters are so well paid, how many paid subscribers it has and (if you listen to the podcast version which is sponsored by Q5 Partners) we got into the question of whether what they are doing is journalism and what that means for Goalhanger’s editorial approach.

📰 Today we also have a rare interview with Guardian editor Katherine Viner as she marks ten years at the helm of the global liberal newsbrand. She revealed that the title is drawing down on its £1.3bn investment fund to expand its presence on video and social media and to further expand internationally.

She also reflected on the colossal Noel Clarke libel trial (which cost The Guardian £6m to defend as he sought up to £70m in damages).

🌍 And we’ve interviewed the CEO of a Danish publisher which now has 70,000 subscribers paying more than £10 per month for access to long-form journalism.

What’s most interesting about Zetland, which has just been bought by Bonnier News, is the fact it has a strong base of paying readers in their twenties and thirties.

Despite having around 100 staff, Zetland publishes just two to five stories per day – but makes sure they told “in a very engaging and personal way”.

⚡The deadline for submissions to the British Journalism Awards is MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. Get your entry in now to have a chance of winning the ultimate accolade for public service journalism.

From our sponsor

Why video’s reign has only just begun

At the Future of Media Technology Conference, one theme dominated: video is no longer an experiment, it is the default language of news. As platforms reshape how audiences discover content, publishers face a post-search world where direct relationships and brand differentiation matter more than ever.

The Economist Group’s Luke Bradley-Jones sparked discussion about the need for publishers to consider three key imperatives: Differentiate what makes you unique, build Direct audience connections, and focus on Distribution beyond search through social, newsletters, and new platforms.

We heard about how different legacy media orgs are responding in different ways. Sky is leaning into longform storytelling. Hearst is competing across every channel. The BBC is prioritising reach and trust. What they share is a recognition that video requires structural change, authentic voices, and investment in talent.

The message is clear: success in a video-first world means embedding video into workflows, experimenting boldly, and balancing reach with monetisable, owned relationships. Those who adapt will set the pace for the future of news.

Find out more

On Press Gazette

Katharine Viner interview: Guardian editor sets out multi-year transformation plan

Guardian editor-in-chief on ten years in charge of the liberal newsbrand.

Read more