SET up as an antidote to the mainstream media, particularly the BBC, the TNT show is celebrating its 100th edition in two years of broadcasting.
A range of high-quality speakers, including philosopher AC Grayling, vice-principal of Glasgow University Professor Murray Pittock, Professor David Edgerton of London’s King’s College, Hollywood star Brian Cox and Times columnists Hugo Rifkind and Kenny Farquharson have helped draw thousands of viewers to the weekly hour-long programme on the Independence Live channel.
Founder John Drummond believes the reason for the success of TNT, which stands for The Nation Talks, is because there is nothing else like it.
“I thought what was missing was a live show that talks to people from a whole range of backgrounds to get their views on Scotland,” he said.
“I looked at the offerings the mainstream media were making available to people and it was frankly appalling. I know there are budget concerns and staffing issues but that does not apply to BBC Scotland with its huge budget. I would have expected them to do more but it has gone tabloid and left a gap.”
Drummond said he was delighted he had been able to present so many interesting, intelligent speakers.
“People are actually keen to get on because we offer one of the few channels where someone who has something to say gets a full 60 mins and it is live. Can you imagine the BBC doing that?”
He said the high quality guests had attracted the programme’s audience, many of whom send in a question.
“People do like to tune in and find out why someone like AC Grayling is supportive of independence though he is based south of the border,” said Drummond.
“A couple of weeks ago we had two experts from Scotland in Europe which has been set up to lobby the EU for Scotland to get special dispensation for EU membership.”
Not everyone who appears on the show is in favour of independence.
“We have had people on like journalist Hugo Rifkind because we want to get other perspectives, otherwise the debate can become an echo chamber,” said Drummond.
He added he was “exceptionally pleased” with the success of the show, especially as it is made on a “very tight budget”.
The 100th show on Wednesday, like all the others, is still available on YouTube. Or you can watch it below:
