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

FULL EPISODE: Brexit Anniversary, Royals & Food Banks, Integrity and the UK Government and Chat GPT / with Darren McGarvey

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by musician and Orwell-prize winning author, Darren McGarvey! This week - the 3rd anniversary of Brexit, Will & Kate visit a foodbank, integrity and the UK Government, and a listener question on Chat GPT. At the end of the episode...media recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS : EAMONN : 'STUTZ' - Netflix documentary - compelling mental health documentary in which Hollywood star, Jonah Hill has frank discussions with psychologist, Phil Stutz, who wrote the NY Times bes...

Feb 04, 202359 minSeason 6Ep. 156

Brexit Anniversary, Royals & Food Banks, Integrity and the UK Government and Chat GPT / with Darren McGarvey

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by musician and Orwell-prize winning author, Darren McGarvey! This week - the 3rd anniversary of Brexit, Will & Kate visit a foodbank, integrity and the UK Government, and a listener question on Chat GPT. At the end of the episode...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 Pat...

Feb 01, 20236 minSeason 6Ep. 156

Boris Johnson and the BBC Chairman, Nadhim Zahawi’s Tax, Jacinda Ardern and Reporting / with Steve Richards

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and podcaster, Steve Richards! This week - Boris Johnson and the BBC Chairman, Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs, Jacinda Ardern’s resignation and a listener question on BBC reporting. 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? Downlo...

Jan 25, 20236 minSeason 6Ep. 155

Devolution and Gender Reform, Tech Bosses, GB News and Context / with Shona Craven

Stuart Cosgrove and Eamonn O’Neill are joined by journalist, Shona Craven! This week - devolution and the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, consequences for tech bosses, GB News and a listener question on context. 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? Downl...

Jan 18, 20236 minSeason 6Ep. 154

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 j...

Jan 11, 20237 minSeason 6Ep. 153

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’v...

Jan 04, 20236 minSeason 5Ep. 152

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

Dec 28, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 151

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...

Dec 21, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 150

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 ...

Dec 14, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 149

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? Downlo...

Dec 07, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 148

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 d...

Nov 30, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 147

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): patr...

Nov 23, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 146

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...

Nov 16, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 145

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 ...

Nov 09, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 144

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 wee...

Nov 02, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 143

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 P...

Oct 26, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 142

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...

Oct 19, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 141

“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 clu...

Oct 12, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 140

[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 comme...

Oct 09, 202248 minSeason 5Ep. 139

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 recommend...

Oct 04, 20225 minSeason 5Ep. 138

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):...

Sep 28, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 137

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 join...

Sep 21, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 136

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,...

Sep 14, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 135

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): patr...

Sep 06, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 134

Liz Truss Cancels BBC Interview, Nicola Sturgeon Headline, Emily Maitlis and Scottish Media / with Andrea Baker

We're back with a brand new series of Talk Media! Stuart and Eamonn are joined by returning guest commentator, broadcaster and mezzo-soprano, Andrea Baker! This week - Liz Truss cancels her BBC interview with Nick Robinson, a controversial headline about Nicola Sturgeon, Emily Maitlis’ new podcast and a listener question about the Scottish media. The News Agents podcast : www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuVj/ To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join t...

Aug 31, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 133

BONUS: The Making Of...

Stuart and Eamonn reflect on the concept of The Making Of… . Series 5 of Talk Media starts on 31 August. Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters. Tickets for Blethered Live at SWG3 with Aimen Dean - Tue 30 August:: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/blethered-live-tickets/artist/5388843 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...

Aug 24, 20226 minSeason 4Ep. 132

BONUS: Media Slogans and Mission Statements

Stuart and Eamonn discuss media slogans and mission statements and the extent to which they help or hinder a brand. Series 5 of Talk Media starts on 31 August. Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters. 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 informatio...

Aug 17, 20225 minSeason 4Ep. 131

Cost of Living, Angela Rayner’s Comments, Commonwealth Games, USA Updates and Alcohol Deaths / with Catriona Stewart

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist, Catriona Stewart! This week - calls for cost of living crisis talks, Angela Rayner’s independence comments, Scotland and the Commonwealth Games, conspiracy theories and their aftermath and a listener question about alcohol deaths in Scotland. At the end of the show, Stuart, Eamonn and Catriona 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)...

Aug 10, 20225 minSeason 4Ep. 130

Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon, Beyoncé, Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan and Women’s Football / with Afua Hagan

Stuart Cosgrove and Eamonn are joined by broadcaster and commentator, Afua Hagan! This week - Liz Truss ignores Nicola Sturgeon, Beyoncé changes a song lyric, Nancy Pelosi travels to Taiwan and a listener question about England’s victory in the Women’s Euros. 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 lo...

Aug 03, 20225 minSeason 4Ep. 129

Truss v Sunak, BBC Impartiality, Travel Delays, DoubleDown News and North Sea Oil / with Steve Richards

Stuart and Eamonn are joined by author and host of the Roll n’ Roll Politics Podcast, Steve Richards! This week - Truss v Sunak, BBC impartiality, travel delays, DoubleDown News and a listener question about North Sea oil. At the end of the show, Steve, Eamonn and Stuart share their personal media recommendations. Tickets for Steve’s Fringe show, ‘Rock'n'Roll Politics’ : tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics DoubleDown News video discussed ('Peter Oborne Abso...

Jul 27, 20225 minSeason 3Ep. 128
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