The Last Word with Matt Cooper TV & Streaming: Michael Lyster Dies Aged 71
Mar 23, 2026
Elaine Burke, TV and culture commentator who reviews streaming picks, and Joe O’Shea, seasoned journalist and media analyst, discuss major TV and streaming news. They reflect on Michael Lyster’s broadcasting legacy, unpack HBO Max’s Ireland launch and Sky bundling, critique social media toxicity versus old tabloids, and spotlight new shows like The Pit, The Comeback and For All Mankind.
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Barry Keoghan Describes Impact Of Online Abuse
- Barry Keoghan described severe online abuse about his appearance that pushed him to withdraw from public life at times.
- Elaine Burke referenced Keoghan's SiriusXM interview and his worry that even his son sees hateful comments online.
Attention Economy Fuels Social Media Abuse
- Social media lacks the editorial rules of tabloids, so people escalate to outrageous comments for attention in an 'attention economy'.
- Joe O'Shea contrasts past newspaper limits with today's limitless online abuse driven by clout-seeking.
Michael Lyster's Unflappable Anchoring Style
- Michael Lyster was an anchor who prioritized getting the best out of guests rather than being a pundit himself.
- Joe O'Shea recalled Lyster's unflappable style across decades on Sports Stadium and The Sunday Game, handling varied sports and tough panelists with calm skill.