Talk Media - podcast cover

Talk Media

The Big Light www.thebiglight.com

Broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove and Professor Eamonn O’Neill host 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.

Hour-long episodes are published weekly on Wednesday evenings via Patreon. Join now to listen for 99p per week (+ VAT): patreon.com.talkmedia

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Episodes

Boris Johnson and Devolution, Music Ownership and Barack Obama's New Book / with Andrea Baker

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by international mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker, to discuss Boris Johnson's devolution comments, issues related to music ownership (following the sale of Taylor Swift's master tapes) and the publication of Barack Obama's memoir, A Promised Land. Stuart, Eamonn and Andrea go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart: 'The Queen's Gambit' - Netflix series - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80234304 Eamonn: 'News and How to Use It: What to ...

Nov 18, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 40

US Election Aftermath, John Major’s IndyRef2 Comments and Reports of Racism at Fettes College / with Ahmed Baba

Stuart and Eamonn are joined again by Ahmed Baba (co-founder of Rantt Media) to analyse and discuss the US election and its aftermath. In part 2, Stuart and Eamonn go on to discuss John Major’s comments about IndyRef2 and reports of a ‘culture of racism’ at Fettes College in Edinburgh. As always, Ahmed, Stuart and Eamonn share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Ahmed: 'Why Trump Can't Afford to Lose' by Jane Mayer - New Yorker article - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020...

Nov 11, 20201 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 39

US Election Results, Furlough Confusion, BBC Social Media Guidelines and Johnny Depp / with Joyce McMillan

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Joyce McMillan (theatre critic and political commentator) to discuss the initial results of the US election, confusion over furlough support for Scotland, issues related to new social media guidelines for BBC employees and the verdict of the Johnny Depp trial. Stuart, Eamonn and Joyce go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuart : 'Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers - Sock It To 'Em JB - [7"]' - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rex-Garvin-...

Nov 04, 20201 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 38

‘Virtual Christmas’, US Election Countdown and Protests in Nigeria / with Catriona Stewart

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Catriona Stewart (journalist) to discuss the response to Jason Leitch’s ‘virtual Christmas’ comments on BBC Radio Scotland, the final countdown to the US election and the role of social media in raising awareness of police brutality in Nigeria. Stuart, Eamonn and Catriona go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : ‘Writing the FutureBasquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation’ - exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston - www.mfa...

Oct 28, 20201 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Scottish Licence Fee, Media Regulation and Trump’s New Golf Course / with Anthony Baxter

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Scottish film-maker Anthony Baxter ( You’ve Been Trumped , A Dangerous Game ) to discuss the future of the licence fee in Scotland, calls from UK broadcasters for tighter media regulations in an effort to compete with streaming services, and President Trump’s new golf course in Aberdeenshire. Stuart, Eamonn and Anthony go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ - Aaron Sorkin film on Netflix - www.n...

Oct 21, 20201 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Sturgeon v Salmond, Spitting Image and Updates on the US Election Campaign / Paul Hutcheon

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Paul Hutcheon (Daily Record Political Editor and Scotland's Political Journalist of the Year) to discuss the response to reports of divisions between Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond, reactions to the return of Spitting Image on BritBox and updates on the US election campaign. Stuart, Eamonn and Paul go on to share their media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Eamonn : ‘Uncorked’ - 2020 American drama film, written and directed by Prentice Penny. Starring Mamoudo...

Oct 14, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Media Response to COVID-19 in Scotland, Trump’s Health and Cinema Closures / with Gayle Anderson

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Gayle Anderson (journalist) to discuss the media's response to COVID-19 in Scotland, President Trump's coronavirus diagnosis and the closure of cinemas. Stuart, Eamonn and Gayle go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : 'Dennistoun in Glasgow is named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods' - TimeOut article - https://www.timeout.com/news/dennistoun-in-glasgow-was-named-one-of-the-worlds-coolest-neighbourhoods-heres-how-loc...

Oct 07, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 34

The After Party: Internal Market Bill, Future of the Licence Fee and more...

Following on from our US election special with Ahmed Baba, we're back in Scotland for 'The After Party' - a bonus episode taking a close look at the Internal Market Bill, the future of the licence fee and more. Enjoy the double act. 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 informat...

Oct 01, 202047 minSeason 1Ep. 33

US Election Special: First TV Debate, Trump's Taxes and Voter Suppression / with Ahmed Baba

Stuart and Eamonn are joined again by Ahmed Baba of Rantt Media for a US election special. The discussion includes: reactions to the first TV debate between President Trump and Vice-President Biden, tax avoidance and voter suppression. Stuart, Eamonn and Ahmed go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuart : 'Rowan on Byres Road' by photographer Wattie Cheung - https://twitter.com/wats67/status/1309646386300948480?s=20 Eamonn : 'Bombshell' film - https://www.amazon....

Sep 30, 202059 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Keir Starmer and Patriotism, Climate Change and Ruth Bader Ginsburg / with Sunny Hundal

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Sunny Hundal (writer, journalist and commentator) to discuss Keir Starmer and different interpretations of 'patriotism' around the UK, climate change coverage and the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Stuart, Eamonn and Sunny go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : 'A Tomb With a View: The Stories and Glories of Graveyards' book Peter Ross - https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-tomb-with-a-view/peter-ross/9781472267795 Sunny : 'Th...

Sep 23, 202058 minSeason 1Ep. 32

COVID Briefings Row, Scottish Hate Crime Bill and the Return of Ed Miliband / with Shona Craven

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Shona Craven (journalist and commentator) to discuss the COVID briefings row - following BBC Scotland’s decision to end the live streams - the Scottish Hate Crime Bill and the return of Ed Miliband. Stuart, Eamonn and Shona go on to share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : ‘Des’ ITV drama (available on STV player) https://player.stv.tv/summary/des Eamonn : ‘Rage’ book by Bob Woodward www.amazon.co.uk/Rage-Bob-Woodward/dp/1471197719 Sh...

Sep 16, 20201 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 31

‘Baroness ‘Ruth Davidson, Press Freedom and ‘Mulan’ Boycott / with Ayesha Hazarika

It’s our 30th show! Stuart and Eamonn are joined again by Ayesha Hazarika (broadcaster, political commentator and Times Radio host) to discuss ‘Baroness’ Ruth Davidson, topical stories related to press freedom and the backlash to 'Mulan' (now streaming on Disney+). Stuart, Eamonn and Ayesha also share their personal media recommendations. Ayesha hosts weekend drive time (4-7pm) on Times Radio : https://www.thetimes.co.uk/radio RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : 'Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-198...

Sep 09, 202054 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Douglas Ross Interview, Media Response to the Death of Mercy Baguma and the New BBC Director-General / with Jim Cusick

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Jim Cusick, editor of openMedia at openDemocracy, to discuss Douglas Ross and food standards (following a recent BBC Radio Scotland interview), the media response to the death of Mercy Baguma in Glasgow and Tim Davie, the new BBC Director-General. Stuart, Eamonn and Jim also share their personal media recommendations. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (RHA TrueConnect2 Wireless Earbuds) : www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia-giveaway READ Dani Garavelli's Scotsman article : https://www...

Sep 02, 202059 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Republican Convention, Reporting on White House Politics and Fallout from ‘The Trial of Alex Salmond’ / with Tamara Keith

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Tamara Keith, NPR White House Correspondent, to discuss the Republican National Convention, reporting on US politics and the fallout from ‘The Trial of Alex Salmond’. Stuart, Eamonn and Tamara also share their personal media recommendations. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (RHA TrueConnect2 Wireless Earbuds) : www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia-giveaway RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : 'Searching’ on Netflix www.netflix.com/title/81053209 Eamonn : ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Hemingway ...

Aug 26, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 28

‘The Trial of Alex Salmond’, Newspaper Apologies and the Virtual Democratic Convention

Stuart and Eamonn discuss BBC2's 'The Trial of Alex Salmond', newspaper apologies and the virtual Democratic Convention. Stuart and Eamonn also share their personal media recommendations. There's no guest commentator this week - enjoy the double act! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (RHA TrueConnect2 Wireless Earbuds) : www.thebiglight.com/talkmedia-giveaway RECOMMENDATIONS : Stuart : 'Humanity' on Creative Boom https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/portrait-of-humanity-awards-2020/ Eamonn : 'Tyson vs Jaws...

Aug 19, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Exam Results, ‘The Unravelling of America’ and Media Coverage of Migrant Crossings / with Angela Haggerty

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist Angela Haggerty to discuss ongoing controversy surrounding exam results in Scotland, the future of the USA (in light of a recent Rolling Stone article by Wade Davis titled, ‘The Unravelling of America’) and media coverage of migrant crossings. Stuart, Eamonn and Angela also share their personal media recommendations. READ ‘The Unravelling of America’ (Wade Davis) in Rolling Stone magazine : www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/covid-19-end...

Aug 12, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 26

TikTok, Email Hacking, KGB and School Exam Results / with Jon S. Baird

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by writer and director Jon S. Baird (‘Filth’, ‘Stan and Ollie’) to discuss the sale or ban of TikTok in the US, email hacking, the KGB and controversy surrounding school exam results in Scotland. Stuart, Eamonn and Jon also share their personal media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuart: ‘ Shuggie Bain’ book by Douglas Stuart www.goodreads.com/book/show/52741293-shuggie-bain Jon: ‘Once Upon a Time in Iraq’ on BBC iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000kxws/on...

Aug 05, 202048 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Media Moguls, Press Briefings and Anti-Semitism on Social Media / with Steve Richards

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster, political columnist and podcast host (‘The Rock N Roll Politics Podcast’) Steve Richards to discuss media moguls, Nicola Sturgeon’s press briefings and Anti-Semitism on social media sites. Stuart, Eamonn and Steve also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart: ‘Fear City: New York vs The Mafia’ series www.netflix.com/title/80218338 ‘Miraculous’ film www.lockdown.thegaiety.co.uk/watch/miraculous-borderline-theatre-co Eamonn: Whicker’s War doc...

Jul 29, 202053 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Russia Report, Kanye West and TV Dramas Controversy / with Raisah Ahmed

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by writer and film-maker Raisah Ahmed to discuss the publication of the Russia Report, Kanye West’s presidential campaign and controversy over the the lack of diversity in TV drama screenwriting. Stuart, Eamonn and Raisah also share their personal media recommendations. Raisah : ‘Stateless’ series on Netflix www.netflix.com/title/81206211 Eamonn: ‘Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life’ book by Alan Deutschman www.goodreads.com/book/show/51369.Ch...

Jul 22, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Johnny Depp Trial, Failing Grayling and Trump's Commutation of Roger Stone / with Shona Craven

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Shona Craven (writer and columnist) to discuss the Johnny Depp trial, Chris Grayling's appointment as head of the Intelligence Committee and Donald Trump's recent commutation of Roger Stone. Stuart, Eamonn and Shona also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart : 'Freedom Is a Constant Struggle' by Angela Davis https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25330108-freedom-is-a-constant-struggle Eamonn : Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich on Netflix https://www.netflix....

Jul 15, 202042 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Freedom of Speech, Reopening of Pubs and the Border Protest / with A.L. Kennedy

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by A.L. Kennedy (novelist, columnist, commentator and comedian) to discuss freedom of speech, the reopening of pubs and the recent protest at the Scottish border. Stuart, Eamonn and Alison also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart : Hamilton musical https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/movies/hamilton/3uPmBHWlO6HJ Eamonn : The Kominsky Method drama https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80201680 A.L. Kennedy : Ru Paul's Drag Race https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/...

Jul 08, 202049 minSeason 1Ep. 21

COVID Milestones and Leadership, Facebook Advertising and Diversity in Hollywood / with Nanette Burstein

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Nanette Burstein (director of the new Hulu documentary, 'Hillary') to discuss COVID milestones (following reports that the global number of cases has reached ten million) leadership during lockdown, Facebook advertising and diversity in Hollywood. Stuart, Eamonn and Nanette also share their personal media recommendations. Stuart : 'Barrowland Ballads: A Recollective Project' http://www.barrowlandballads.co.uk Eamonn : 'Mike Wallace is Here' documentary https://www...

Jul 01, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Trump Rally, Biden’s VP, Subscription News and Blackface in Popular Culture / with Bonnie Greer

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Bonnie Greer (playwright, novelist, critic and broadcaster) to discuss TikTok's impact on President Trump’s rally in Tulsa, discussions around Joe Biden's pick for Vice President, subscription news and blackface in popular culture. Stuart, Eamonn and Bonnie also share their media recommendations. Stuart: Vietnam War Songs (@VietnamWarSongs) on Twitter twitter.com/VietnamWarSongs Bonnie: Dr. Rebecca Hall ACAB (@WakeRevolt) on Twitter twitter.com/WakeRevolt Eamonn: ...

Jun 24, 202048 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Cummings Revisited, Marcus Rashford and the US Presidential Campaign / with Nazir Afzal

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by Nazir Afzal (former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England) to discuss renewed scrutiny of Dominic Cummings and his trip to Durham, Marcus Rashford's successful school meals campaign and the race to become the next US President. Stuart, Eamonn and Nazir also share their media recommendations. Stuart : 'Da 5 Bloods' on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81045635 Nazir : 'The Prosecutor' book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45893872-the-prosecutor Eamo...

Jun 17, 202042 minSeason 1Ep. 18

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://w...

Jun 10, 202054 minSeason 1Ep. 17

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-o...

Jun 04, 20201 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 16

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.goodr...

May 27, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 15

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.you...

May 20, 202058 minSeason 1Ep. 14

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/04150...

May 13, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 13

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-flowe...

May 06, 202058 minSeason 1Ep. 12
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