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

Jan 11, 2023 · 6 min
NHS Crisis, Prince Harry, The Westminster Accounts and Pro-Indy Media / with Joyce McMillan
In the first episode of a brand new series of Talk Media, Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and critic, Joyce McMillan. This week - the NHS in crisis, Prince Harry takes on the media and his own family, The Westminster Accounts and a listener question about pro-independence media. At the end of the show, media recommendations! To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 4, 2023 · 5 min
HOLIDAY BONUS: Lockerbie, Death of Diana and IndyRef1
Media events in history: In this special holiday re-release of three mini-episodes, Stuart and Eamonn reflect on the Lockerbie bombing (1988), the death of Princess Diana (1997) and the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. What did these events mean for the media? How were they covered and what impact did they have? Listen to find out. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 28, 2022 · 5 min
HOLIDAY BONUS: 2022 REFLECTION
Merry Christmas! In this special holiday bonus episode, producer Cameron hosts a reflection on some of the defining media stories of 2022. Featuring Stuart, Eamonn, David Pratt, Jonathon Shafi, Shona Craven and Steve Richards. Series 6 begins on Wednesday 11 January 2023. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 21, 2022 · 6 min
Clarkson’s Meghan Column, Rwanda Plan, Trump and ‘Trusted’ Platforms / with Paddy Duffy
It’s the 150th episode of Talk Media! Stuart and Eamonn are joined by guest commentator, Paddy Duffy. This week - Clarkson’s Meghan column, the Rwanda Plan, Trump and the January 6th Committee and a listener question on ‘trusted’ media platforms. At the end of the show, the trio share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 14, 2022 · 6 min
Mick Lynch, Elon Musk and the Twitter Files, Indy Polls and Print Media / with Andrea Baker
Stuart Cosgrove and Shona Craven are joined by mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker. This week - Mick Lynch and the media, Elon Musk and the Twitter Files, fresh polling on Scottish independence and a listener question about the survival of print media. At the end of the show, the trio share their media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 7, 2022 · 6 min
Labour and the Constitution, Ian Blackford, Kanye West and Royal Scandals / with Ruth Wishart
Stuart Cosgrove and Shona Craven are joined by journalist, Ruth Wishart. This week - the Labour Party and constitutional reform, Ian Blackford steps down at SNP leader at Westminster, Kanye West and extremism and a listener question on Royal scandals. At the end of the show, media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 30, 2022 · 6 min
Michelle Mone, IndyRef2 Spending, Matt Hancock and Twitter / with Afua Hagan
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster and commentator, Afua Hagan! This week - Tory peer Michelle Mone and PPE Medpro, Scottish Government IndyRef2 spending, Matt Hancock out of the jungle and a listener question about Twitter as a vital platform for journalists. At the end of the show, media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 23, 2022 · 6 min
Supreme Court Decision, NHS Scotland Story, Brexit and Media Framing / with Steve Richards
Stuart Cosgrove and Eamonn O’Neill are joined by journalist and podcaster, Steve Richards! This week - the IndyRef2 Supreme Court verdict, backlash to a BBC Scotland story about the NHS, Brexit in the news again and a listener question about politicians and media framing of complex issues. At the end of the show, the trio share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2022 · 5 min
Gordon Brown & Food Banks, Warships, Joe Lycett & David Beckham and Emergency Services / with Lesley Riddoch
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and podcaster, Lesley Riddoch. This week - Gordon Brown wades in on food banks, new warships in Glasgow, Joe Lycett’s challenge to David Beckham and a listener question about how the media reports on emergency services. Towards the end of the show...media recommendations! To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 9, 2022 · 5 min
COP27, Ferries Fiasco, US Midterm Results and Information Dissemination Online / with Shona Craven
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist, Shona Craven. This week - COP27, the ferries fiasco, US midterm results and a listener question about information dissemination online. At the end of the episode, the trio share their media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 2, 2022 · 5 min
The Migrant Crisis, Elon Musk, Halloween Coverage and Journalists & Politicians / with Nazir Afzal and Andrea Baker
Eamonn is joined by mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker and Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England. This week - the migrant crisis, Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, coverage of Halloween and Bonfire Night and a listener question about the relationship between journalists and politicians. At the end of the show, the trio share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2022 · 6 min
PM Rishi Sunak, Just Stop Oil, ‘Woke’ and the Football World Cup / with Shona Craven
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist, Shona Craven! This week - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Just Stop Oil, the meaning of ‘woke’ and a listener question about the upcoming football World Cup. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Shona share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 19, 2022 · 6 min
HOLIDAY EPISODE: Our Toughest Media Projects
Stuart and Eamonn discuss some of their most challenging assignments, sharing fascinating stories which are packed full of media insights and reflections. We'll be back with more topical discussion next week. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Medial, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 12, 2022 · 6 min
“I Detest the Tories”, The Labour Files, Russia’s Framing of ‘Terrorism’ and a Question about BBC Scotland / with Paddy Duffy
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by author and broadcaster, Paddy Duffy! This week - the SNP Conference and “I detest the Tories”, The Labour Files, Russia’s framing of ‘terrorism’ and a listener question about BBC Scotland journalism. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Paddy share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 9, 2022 · 48 min
[Full-Length Episode] HEY AMERICA! Black Music and the White House
FREE FULL-LENGTH EPISODE: Stuart Cosgrove discusses his brand new book, 'Hey America!' which tells the epic story of black music and the White House - how black music came from the margins of American life in the early 20th century, through to the mainstream under Barack Obama’s presidency, and then was mobilised as a force for radical opposition to Donald Trump. Stuart is joined by Professor Eamonn O'Neill and mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker. Their conversation is wide ranging, with extensive commentary on black music & culture and US politics. Buy Stuart's book here: birlinn.co.uk/product/hey-america/ Join the Talk Media Club here: www.patreon.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 4, 2022 · 5 min
Tax U-Turn, Kevin McKenna on The Gorbals, Susan B. Glasser on Russia and a Question about Journalists / with Andrea Baker
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster and mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker! This week - the UK Government’s tax U-turn, a Herald article about The Gorbals by Kevin McKenna, fears of escalating conflict between NATO and Russia (examined by Susan B. Glasser in The New Yorker) and a listener question about shock jock journalists. At the end of the episode, Stuart, Eamonn and Andrea share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 28, 2022 · 6 min
UK Economy, Italian Election Results, Kelvin MacKenzie and Kyle Lafferty / with Joyce McMillan
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and critic, Joyce McMillan. This week - economic volatility following Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget, the Italian election results, Kelvin MacKenzie gets a taste of his own medicine and a listener question about footballer, Kyle Lafferty. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Joyce share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 21, 2022 · 6 min
The Queen’s Funeral, UK-US Trade Deal Shelved, Nadine Dorries and BBC Impartiality / with Michael Stewart
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster and former footballer, Michael Stewart. This week - the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, no UK-US trade deal, former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and a listener question about BBC impartiality. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Michael share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 14, 2022 · 6 min
Queen Elizabeth II & King Charles III, Scotland and the Monarchy, Ukraine and Media Mistakes / with Shona Craven
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist, Shona Craven! This week - the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, Scotland and the monarchy, Ukraine updates and a listener question about media mistakes. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Shona share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details.To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 6, 2022 · 5 min
PM Liz Truss, Laura Kuenssberg’s New Show, Biden v Trump and the Fringe Festival / with Ruth Wishart
Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist, Ruth Wishart. This week - Liz Truss becomes the UK’s new Prime Minister, Laura Kuenssberg launches her new Sunday politics show, Biden and Trump battle it out in speeches and a listener question about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Ruth share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app (iOS/Android) and login with your account details. For more information about Talk Media, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices