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Talk Media

The Big Light

Broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove and guests bring you Talk Media: a forensic analysis of how the media works, and who works the media. Packed full of candid commentary and informed opinion, Talk Media features a weekly guest commentator from the worlds of journalism, entertainment and politics.

Full episodes are published weekly on Wednesday evenings via our Supporters Club. Join our Supporters Club now to listen for 99p per week: thebiglight.com/talkmedia

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#338
Thursday · 51 min
Ed Sheeran Is 'Intellectually Moribund' & More (with Paddy Duffy)
Paddy Duffy is back with Stuart as the boys take a look at Ed Sheeran's ever-dwindling friendship group, discuss Michael Marra's ascendancy to Scottish Labour leader (Paddy is willing to give him a chance?!) and chat through Earl Spencer's new book about his sister... Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#316
September 17 · 1 hr 5 min
Cardiff, Scottish Schools, Rogue AI and Handsome Paul Sweeney's Promotion (with Catriona Stewart)
This week we're delighted to welcome back The Scotsman's Education Correspondent Catriona Stewart who sits down with Stuart Cosgrove to discuss the ramifications of the Cardiff Agreement, attainment in Scottish schools, who's better: Mulder or Scully, Rogue AIs and she also promotes Paul Sweeney MSP to First Minister... Recommendations Users by Beeban Kidron (Waterstones) Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Waterstones) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#336
September 10 · 53 min
Balaclavas on the Streets, Dodgy Polls in the Beer Gardens (with Angela Haggerty)
It's Talk Media time again and Stuart Cosgrove returns alongside Angela Haggerty to take a deep dive into the politics of dodgy money, the non-politics of balaclava-covered "protestors" and they delve into 9/11 25 years on. Recommendations Angela: A Night To Remember by Walter Lord Stuart: Derry Girls (it's better than Still Game - his words, not mine) Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#335
September 4 · 39 min
True Crime Obsessions, Holyrood Lethargy & Trump's New Lake (with Professor Graham Jeffery)
Professor Graham Jeffery from University of the West of Scotland joined Stuart in the Talk Media studio today for a wide-ranging, fascinating chat about all things media practice. They got into our society's obsession with true crime, asked who's in control of cartography as Trump tries to rename another large body of water, and ask what makes Holyrood coverage different to Westminster. Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 28 · 41 min
Ukraine, Iran & BBC Scotland Cuts (with David Pratt)
Foreign affairs writer and photographer David Pratt returns to Talk Media... and so does the holidaymaker! Yes, Stuart Cosgrove is back from his trip and sits down with David to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including some fascinating insights into Ukrainian petrol stations, Donald Trump's war with Iran, and of course the rumoured cuts to at BBC Scotland which could see the BBC Scotland channel close down for good. Recommendations this week: David: The Gabriel Dax series by William Boyd Stuart: MOURINHO on Netflix Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#333
August 21 · 50 min
Writing For The Right Wing, Jason Arday & More (with Catriona Stewart)
It's Paddy Duffy's last hurrah as Talk Media's substitute teacher and he's joined this week by journalist Catriona Stewart. They discuss the challenges of writing for the right wing press, talk about the education beat, and take a look at the media treatment of the Jason Arday story. There's a wee bit of strong language in this one, so steel yourselves! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#332
August 14 · 41 min
Holyrood's Silly Season & Life at The Herald (with Hannah Brown)
Paddy Duffy is joined by Hannah Brown, Political Correspondent at The Herald. They discuss what it's like to get into journalism at the moment, the way stories are chosen and prioritised at the paper, as well as chatting about Scottish Labour's Silly Season, Q Manivannan's controversial comments, the Athenian basis for Count Binface (seriously!) and more on this week's Talk Media! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#331
August 7 · 52 min
The State of Journalism (with Eve Livingston)
Paddy Duffy sits down with investigative inequalities journalist Eve Livingston to discuss the state of journalism today, her stories and how our perspectives can skew how we process media. It was great to have Eve's perspective, and I think you'll agree that Paddy does an excellent job in the Talk Media hot seat while Stuart's on holiday! Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#330
July 31 · 1 hr 2 min
The 'Empire' Games, Fascists On The Streets... What Year Is It? (with Paddy Duffy)
Paddy Duffy joins Stuart Cosgrove as the pair discuss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the ugly scenes at the weekend as masked thugs threw nazi salutes at police, they cover County Mayo's big GAA win, and get in depth on what it takes to get a project made these days. It's a great episode of the show and it gets all around the houses. We really hope you enjoy! Recommendations: The People's Pool (Archive on 4) - BBC Sounds Around The World in 80 Ways - BBC Sounds Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#329
July 24 · 56 min
Anas Sarwar's Upward Momentum & More (with Angela Haggerty)
Talk Media is back! Angela Haggerty joins Stuart Cosgrove to talk about Andy Burnham's first moves as Prime Minister (including elevating Anas Sarwar to the House of Lords), they chat about the challenges facing Glasgow as The Commonwealth Games come to town, and they take a personal look at how parenting has changed in the face of incredible technological and media challenges. Next week's guest will be Paddy Duffy as Stuart hands over the baton of hosting to Britain's Finest Quizzer ahead of his holiday... Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#328
July 17 · 41 min
Burnham, Binface & Beyond! (with Andrew McDonald from POLITICO)
Stuart Cosgrove is back, joined by Andrew McDonald from Politico to step behind the curtain of the Westminster Bubble. This week there's discussion on Andy Burnham's ascension to Prime Minister and the challenges that provides for journalists, and they talk about Nigel Farage's political nemesis, a 6,000 intergalactic warrior named Count Binface. Just another normal week in the media... Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 10 · 40 min
An Interview with Patrick Harvie MSP
We are delighted that Patrick Harvie, long-serving Scottish Greens MSP and former Co-Leader of the party joined Stuart Cosgrove on this edition of Talk Media. They talked about a range of fascinating subjects and this is the only place that you'll find out what Patrick and Lorna Slater did after they stormed out of Bute House on that fateful day when their relationship with Humza Yousaf and the SNP fell apart. Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#326
July 2 · 42 min
Andy Burnham & The 10 In The North (with Catriona Stewart)
Stuart Cosgrove sits down with Catriona Stewart to analyse three big stories in the media this week; Andy Burnham and the prospect of a No. 10 in The North, Catriona's piece in The Scotsman about the state of the Scottish Care system, and The Tartan Army Homecoming... Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: ⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#325
June 25 · 48 min
Starmer OUT, Tartan Army IN (with Paddy Duffy)
Stuart is back with Paddy Duffy as they digest the big stories in the media this week. They're looking at the fallout from Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, the reaction to the Tartan Army invasion of Miami (and the damp squib welcome that England fans received in Boston). This episode was recorded on Wednesday morning (24th June 2026) so we don't know if we're through to the next round of the World Cup or not! They also discuss the conviction of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. That topic contains discussion about sexual assault and abuse, and it starts at 30:20. If you want to skip that one, that's the place to press stop. As always, please do leave your feedback and questions in the comments. Have a great night, 'mon Scotland! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#324
June 18 · 1 hr 1 min
Protests In Glasgow & The Tartan Army in the USA with Angela Haggerty
Stuart Cosgrove is joined by journalist Angela Haggerty to get behind the headlines from this week. Angela was present at the anti-racism protest in Glasgow, and they also take a look at the Tartan Army's invasion of the USA. Independent media analysis is harder than ever. Our supporters allow us to stay forensic and un-influenced. Ad-free listening Supporters-only episodes weekly Monthly special episode Early access to weekly episodes (on day of recording) Supporters chat community on Patreon Discounts for live show tickets Weekly recommendations Join monthly for £3.96 per month - cancel anytime Join today: thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#323
June 16 · 47 min
Will Hayward on the Rise of Plaid Cymru & The Fall of Welsh Labour
We are delighted to bring you something a little different this week in the company of multi award-winning journalist Will Hayward. Stuart and Will discuss Welsh politics, identity and how it all worked together to bring Plaid Cymru the leadership of the Senedd. For information on Will's books, have a look ⁠HERE⁠ You can read the Will Hayward newsletter on substack ⁠HERE⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#322
June 3 · 47 min
Murrell, Sturgeon, Uygur, Piker & More with Laura Webster
Laura Webster, editor of The National, returns to the Talk Media hot seat as she and Stuart Cosgrove get behind the big stories of the week, talking more about the Peter Murrell scandal - specifically about the media's treatment of Nicola Sturgeon, touch on the ban on Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker entering the country and ask if degrees are even worth the paper they're printed on... All this and more in your FREE AD-SUPPORTED version of Talk Media. Want to get TALK MEDIA fresh from the studio on the day of recording? Join the Supporters Club for £3.96/month at ⁠⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#321
May 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Murrell-Mania with Paddy Duffy
Paddy Duffy returns to the Talk Media hot seat as he and Stuart Cosgrove get behind the big stories of the week, talking about the Peter Murrell scandal and the Section 30 vote in the Scottish Parliament... All this and more in your FREE AD-SUPPORTED version of Talk Media. Want to get TALK MEDIA fresh from the studio on the day of recording? Join the Supporters Club for £3.96/month at ⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22 · 43 min
The Latest from Iran & Ukraine with David Pratt
Foreign Correspondent David Pratt (The National, The Herald) joins Stuart Cosgrove (Off The Ball, BBC Radio Scotland) to discuss the latest from the front lines of conflicts in Iran & Ukraine and how the UK media is portraying the conflicts. They also discuss the ongoing Labour leadership battle. Will it be Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, or can Keir Starmer hang on? Want to get TALK MEDIA fresh from the studio on the day of recording? Join the Supporters Club for £3.96/month at ⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13 · 1 hr 2 min
Scottish Election Results Special with Paddy Duffy
Paddy Duffy, the Quiz King of Glasgow, returns to give his verdict on the Holyrood elections. A Reform surge, a Labour collapse and an Independence Supporting majority. Who are the big winners in the new Scottish Parliament? Want to get TALK MEDIA fresh from the studio on the day of recording? Join the Supporters Club for £3.96/month at ⁠thebiglight.com/talkmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Showing 1–20 of 28 episodes