Media stories go through several phases – at first a story can make a minor impact (the slow-burn phase); then it gets legs (the leggy phase); then the controversy gets intense and finally there’s the fizzling out phase. Other stories just blow up unexpectedly scattering news shards all over the place. Controversy The controversy over…
The hate crimes legislation was discussed in the Seanad last week, with spirited contributions circulating on social media – especially from Senators Rónán Mullen and Michael McDowell (both raising serious concerns) and Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green Party) supporting the legislation on the grounds of the common good. This didn’t get much coverage in regular media,…
This week I’m reflecting on themes of reason, artificial intelligence (AI) and journalism – all related for sure. Sunday Morning Live (BBC One, Sunday) is back for its 14th series, and the main discussion for the first episode was the power and intrusiveness of the press, issues highlighted by Prince Harry’s ongoing civil action against…
With so much emphasis on razzamatazz in the media, with so much having to be big, loud, brash, and celebrity focused, it’s great to see something low-key and dignified. The Centenary Commemoration of the Civil War (RTÉ One, Sunday) certainly fitted that description. The ceremony was short, with no speeches – the centre-piece was the…
Most weeks you get a at least one good new documentary on television. Last week there were two. Inside the Hospice (Virgin Media One, Wednesday) was so moving and intense, an affirmation of the value of palliative care. The film makers got access to several hospices including those in Harold’s Cross and Wicklow and several…
I’m uneasy about repurposed churches – sad that worship no longer goes on there, what is left being like an empty shell. If its new purpose is something artistic it takes away some of the sting. The Sea Church, with Jesus prominent in its stained-glass window, is the venue for the Ballycotton Sessions (RTÉ Two,…
I often think that it should be possible for there to be authority without authoritarianism, dogma without dogmatism or pomp without pomposity. Nine News (RTÉ One, Saturday) referred to the “pomp and ceremony” at the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III. It wasn’t short of either of those, but was it pompous? I’ve seen worse…
Recently, 25 years of relative peace were celebrated in Northern Ireland, but recent events also show that it’s fragile, and there are legacies that linger and threaten to disturb it. A minority won’t let go of a Troubles frame of mind, but I’d suspect most want to move on to a time when sectarianism fades…
If there are two sides in a controversy I prefer to hear a discussion between two representatives. When it’s just one at a time being interviewed the presenter may not be informed or willing enough to ask the hard questions of both sides. On The Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk, Wednesday) Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent, and…
I’m frequently uneasy about the whole Irish-American thing, but I do realise how welcoming the USA has been to the Irish, and how well they effectively protected us during World War II. The crucial US contribution to the Irish peace process must be acknowledged also. I wasn’t that interested in following the extensive coverage of…