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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317 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes317

Newest first

Jun 10, 2020 · 54 min
Statues, Prince Andrew and J.K. Rowling / with Briana Pegado
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Briana Pegado (director of Creative Edinburgh) to discuss the politics of statues, ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and criticism directed towards J.K Rowling on Twitter. Stuart, Eamonn and Briana go on to share media recommendations. Stuart: 'The Bible Belt' by Ricky Ross http://www.rickyross.com/blog/?p=4957 Briana: 'They/Them/Their: A Guide to Nonbinary & Genderqueer Identities' by Eris Young https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44428763-they-them-their Eamonn: 'McMillion$' Sky Documentaries series https://www.sky.com/watch/mcmillions?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Irns6v46QIVkLt3Ch1Hrw6zEAAYASAAEgLV_vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 4, 2020 · 1 hr 9 min
US Special: Black Lives Matter / with Ahmed Baba
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Ahmed Baba (Co-Founder & President of Rantt Media) to discuss protests in the US (in response the murder of George Floyd) new media voices and wider issues related to racial equality. Stuart, Eamonn and Ahmed also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart: Washington Post article, ‘This can’t be happening’: An oral history of 48 surreal, violent, biblical minutes in Washington https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/this-cant-be-happening-an-oral-history-of-48-surreal-violent-biblical-minutes-in-washington/2020/06/02/6683d36e-a4e3-11ea-b619-3f9133bbb482_story.html Ahmed: 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' https://www.netflix.com/title/70158329 'Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America' by Ibram X. Kendi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25898216-stamped-from-the-beginning Eamonn: The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2666.The_Bonfire_of_the_Vanities Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27, 2020 · 1 hr
Dominic Cummings, Skye Care Home Deaths and Door-Stepping / with Ayesha Hazarika
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Ayesha Hazarika (former Labour Party political adviser and stand-up comedian, now editor of the Londoner Diary at the Evening Standard) to discuss the controversy surrounding Dominic Cummings and his trip to Durham, the Skye care home deaths exposed in The New York Times and the ethics of door-stepping. Stuart, Eamonn and Ayesha also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart: 'Insurrection: Scotland's Famine Winter' book by James Hunter https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44234396-insurrection Eamonn: 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' book by Daniel Kahneman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow Ayesha: 'Little Fires Everywhere' Amazon Prime series https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Fires-Everywhere-Season-1/dp/B087Z6TLN8 Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 20, 2020 · 57 min
Media Portrayals of Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Football and the Music Industry / with Amy Macdonald
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Amy Macdonald to discuss media portrayals of the First Minister, Scottish Football (following a strange end to the season) and the music industry’s response to the pandemic. Stuart, Eamonn and Amy also share their personal media recommendations. Amy: ‘The Last Dance’ Netflix series https://www.netflix.com/title/80203144 Eamonn: John Grisham and Stephen King In Conversation www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xXj3jcRWs4 Stuart: Storytime with President and Mrs. Obama www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-hTKWCX7hc Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13, 2020 · 59 min
BBC Disclosure and the Scottish Government, Facebook's Oversight Board and Bryan Adams / with Ricky Ross
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by musician and broadcaster Ricky Ross to discuss the findings of a recent BBC Disclosure investigation into the Scottish Government’s lockdown timeline, Facebook’s new Oversight Board and controversial remarks made by Bryan Adams on Instagram. Stuart, Eamonn and Ricky also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart's recommendation: 'Subculture: The Meaning of Style' book by Dick Hebdige https://www.amazon.co.uk/Subculture-Meaning-Style-New-Accents/dp/0415039495 Ricky: 'National Theatre at Home: Antony & Cleopatra' https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/nt-at-home-antony-and-cleopatra Eamonn: 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown' series https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anthony-Bourdain-Parts-Unknown/dp/B07V3BFP4F Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 6, 2020 · 58 min
Celebrities on Zoom, Neil Ferguson, Deaths in Russia and Challenges for Big Companies / with Shona Craven
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by cultural commentator Shona Craven to discuss celebrity content during lockdown, controversy surrounding Professor Neil Ferguson, suspicious deaths in Russia and challenges for large companies including Disney, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Stuart, Eamonn and Shona also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart: New York Times article, 'The Morgue Worker, the Body Bags and the Daffodils' https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/nyregion/coronavirus-flowers-bodies.html Shona: 'Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly' book by Jim DeRogatis https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43618595-soulless Eamonn: 'Molly's Game' film https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0797T9BHN Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 29, 2020 · 1 hr
BBC Panorama, Challenges for the Scottish Newspaper Industry and App Safety / with Zara Janjua
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster and reporter Zara Janjua to discuss controversy surrounding a recent BBC Panorama, ongoing challenges for the Scottish newspaper industry and issues related to the NHS’s contact-tracing app and Zoom. Stuart, Eamonn and Zara also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart: Netflix documentary, ‘Tell Me Who I Am’ www.netflix.com/title/80214706 Eamonn: Netflix limited-series, ‘Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates’ www.netflix.com/title/80184771 Zara: Amazon Prime series, ‘Harlots’ www.amazon.co.uk/Harlots-Season-1/dp/B07FSL9RNV Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 22, 2020 · 48 min
Criticism of the UK Government's Response to COVID-19, Harry & Meghan vs the Tabloids and Protests in the US / with Val McDermid
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by author Val McDermid to discuss recent press criticism of the UK government’s handling of COVID-19, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decision to end all cooperation with the UK tabloids and anti-lockdown protests in the US. Eamonn and Val also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart's recommendation: Bloody Scotland session, 'Ian Rankin interviewed by Nicola Sturgeon' (brought to you by The Tartan Noir Show) www.patreon.com/ttns Val: BBC Radio 4 drama series 'Annika Stranded' https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b049fg98/episodes/player Eamonn: 'The Adventures and Misadventures of Peter Beard in Africa' book by Jon Bowermaster https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233847.The_Adventures_and_Misadventures_of_Peter_Beard_in_Africa Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 15, 2020 · 46 min
Trump's Press Conference, The Herald and Eamonn Holmes / with Gayle Anderson
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist Gayle Anderson to discuss President Trump's turbulent press conference on Monday, reactions to a controversial Herald article on domestic abuse, and the news that Ofcom is assessing comments made by Eamonn Holmes about a conspiracy linking 5G to COVID-19. Stuart, Eamonn and Gayle also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart's recommendation: 'No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram' book by Sarah Frier https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/No-Filter/Sarah-Frier/9781982126803 Gayle: 'Sidney & Friends' film https://sidneyandfriends.com Eamonn: 'The Fifth Risk: Undoing Democracy' book by Michael Lewis https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46266188-the-fifth-risk Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 8, 2020 · 51 min
CMO’s Resignation, Stats & Stories and the Transparency of Pressure Groups / with Kezia Dugdale
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale (now director of the John Smith Centre for Public Service) to discuss the resignation of the Chief Medical Officer, stories related to statistics, and issues surrounding the transparency of pressure groups (following a recent controversy involving the TaxPayers’ Alliance). Stuart, Eamonn and Kezia also share their personal media recommendations. Kezia’s recommendation: ‘The Science of Well-Being’ MOOC at Yale bit.ly/2RkaHPi Eamonn: Netflix series, ‘Bobby Kennedy For President’ www.netflix.com/title/80174282 Stuart: Crombie Media on Twitter twitter.com/CrombieMedia Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 1, 2020 · 1 hr
Online Communities, Fallout from the Salmond Trial and a Masterclass in Dealing with Online Trolls / with Janey Godley
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by comedian and author Janey Godley to discuss the growth of online communities and activities, media reactions to the fallout from the trial of Alex Salmond, and tactics for dealing with online trolls. Stuart, Eamonn and Janey also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart's recommendations: Online streaming service, 'Means TV' https://means.tv Irish arts and literature magazine, ‘The Moth’ www.themothmagazine.com Eamonn: BBC documentary series 'Great Train Journeys', Lisa St Aubin de Terán episode https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p03rdrdm/great-railway-journeys-series-2-5-lisa-st-aubin-de-teran-santos-to-santa-cruz 'Mozambique Mysteries' book by Lisa St Aubin de Terán www.goodreads.com/book/show/2163834.Mozambique_Mysteries 'Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World' by Tracy Kidder www.goodreads.com/book/show/10235.Mountains_Beyond_Mountains Janey: BBC Scotland programme, ‘Up for It’ www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00037wr BFI on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/BFIfilms Live comedy by 'The Stand' https://www.thestand.co.uk/saturday-night-live-at-the-stand/ Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 26, 2020 · 44 min
Lockdown, Under-Reported Stories and Reactions to the Salmond Trial / with Marianne Taylor
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist Marianne Taylor (The Herald) to discuss the Prime Minister’s Monday night address to the nation (announcing a UK-wide 'lockdown'), under-reported stories, and reactions to Alex Salmond's acquittal. Stuart, Eamonn and Marianne also share their media recommendations. Marianne’s recommendation: BBC Sounds, ‘Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton’ www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gkf5 Eamonn: BBC Scotland documentary, ‘Pictures from Afghanistan’ www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000gsbg/pictures-from-afghanistan Stuart: Netflix drama, ‘The English Game’ www.netflix.com/title/80244928 Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 19, 2020 · 46 min
The Sun, Culture Streaming and Israel’s Use of Mobile Data / with Pennie Taylor
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Pennie Taylor (journalist and broadcaster) to discuss The Sun's losses, a recent surge in culture streaming (amid the cancellation of concerts and events as a result of COVID-19), and Israel’s controversial use of mobile phone data. Stuart, Eamonn and Pennie also share their media recommendations. Pennie’s recommendations: (1) Bill Gates TEDx Talk, ‘The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready.’ www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready?language=e (2) ‘Netflix Party’ www.netflixparty.com (3) The Financial Times www.ft.com Eamonn’s recommendation: Tom Junod article, ‘My Father’s Fashion Tips’ www.gq.com/story/fashion-generation-tips-national-magazine-award Stuart’s: ‘Imagine A Country: Ideas for a Better Future’ book by Val McDermid and Jo Sharp www.waterstones.com/book/imagine-a-country/val-mcdermid/jo-sharp/9781838851699 Support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 12, 2020 · 55 min
Salmond Trial, Dorothy Byrne and a New Film Studio / with Hannah McGill
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by writer and critic Hannah McGill (former director of the Edinburgh Film Festival) to discuss the media's coverage of the Alex Salmond trial, Dorothy Byrne’s resignation from Channel 4, and a new film studio in Leith. Stuart, Eamonn and Hannah also share their media recommendations. Eamonn's recommendation: Dominick Dunne Vanity Fair article ‘A Father’s Account of the Trial of His Daughter’s Killer’ www.vanityfair.com/magazine/1984/03/dunne198403 Hannah: Netflix film ‘Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution’ (RELEASE DATE: 25 March 2020) www.netflix.com/title/81001496 Stuart: ‘Old School Flyers’ Twitter page www.twitter.com/oldschoolflyers Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 5, 2020 · 54 min
Coronavirus, Priti Patel and Twitter / with Shona Craven
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by cultural commentator, Shona Craven, to discuss the media's coverage of the coronavirus, Priti Patel's position as Home Secretary (following the very public resignation of Sir Philip Rutnam) and the news that a Republican mega-donor has purchased a stake in Twitter. Stuart, Eamonn and Shona also share their media recommendations. Stuart's recommendation: Andy Warhol essay by Olivia Laing in the Financial Times https://www.ft.com/content/75901494-582b-11ea-a528-dd0f971febbc Shona's: BBC article 'Who Killed Emma?' by Mona McAlinden https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/Scotland_Who_Killed_Emma Eamonn's: 'Breaking News' book by Alan Rusbridger https://canongate.co.uk/books/2417-breaking-news-the-remaking-of-journalism-and-why-it-matters-now/ Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 27, 2020 · 46 min
Weinstein, Channel 4 and David Steel / with Gayle Anderson
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Gayle Anderson (former editor of Jackie Magazine) to discuss Harvey Weinstein, in light of Monday’s court verdict, threats to privatise Channel 4, and the resignation of former Liberal Democrat leader David Steel, following the publication of findings from a child abuse inquiry. Stuart, Eamonn and Gayle also share their personal media recommendations. Recommendations: Stuart: 'Antisocial' book by Andrew Marantz: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/562022/antisocial-by-andrew-marantz/ Gayle: Open Culture website with links to 125 Korean films: http://www.openculture.com/2012/12/a_wealth_of_20th-century_korean_cinema_free_online_from_the_korean_film_archive.html Eamonn: New Yorker article 'A Suspense Novelist's Trail of Deception' by Ian Parker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 20, 2020 · 34 min
BBC Licence Fee and Amal Clooney Defends Press Freedom / with Marianne Taylor
Welcome to the very first episode of Talk Media, brought to you by The Big Light - Scotland's podcast network. This week, Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist Marianne Taylor (The Herald) to discuss the future of the BBC, amid an ongoing debate about the licence fee, and Amal Clooney's proposals to safeguard press freedom around the world. Stuart, Eamonn and Marianne also share their media recommendations. Marianne's recommendation: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Unfree-Speech-Audiobook/0753557959 Eamonn's: https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/agnelli Stuart's: https://www.netflix.com/title/80217478 Keep up to date with the show on Twitter: @TBLTalkMedia For more information, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices