There are so many hot button issues out there, so many battles in the culture wars, so many threats to democracy, it can all get a little head wrecking. It’s welcome then to get a debate that’s calm and reasoned, like the discussion on free speech with our own David Quinn and Nathan Young, deputy…

When it comes to the Church and religious matters it’s hard to find a perspective that’s different, new, unpredictable, fresh or unique. I got all of that on The Leap of Faith (RTÉ Radio One, Friday) when Michael Comyn interviewed Vincent Doyle who supports the children of priests through his initiative Coping International. His book…

Last Saturday I had a look at Life on the Rock, the youth-oriented show of US Catholic network EWTN. Though full of good material I felt it wouldn’t appeal that much to young Catholics, except for the most committed. The style is a bit stiff and there needs to be more young voices as well…

When I criticise media bias I often find myself tempted to distance myself from some person or cause lest people miss my point and assume I’m supporting them, whereas I’m just looking for more objectivity. Last Friday I listened to yet another soft and palsy interview with Alastair Campbell, former press secretary to Tony Blair,…

I wasn’t really surprised by how smoothly the inauguration of President Joe Biden went on Wednesday of last week – facilitated by massive security of course! My positive and optimistic side was drawn towards inspiration as I watched the RTÉ News Special (RTÉ One). Amanda Gorman, the young poet laureate, delivered an inspiring poem The…

Last week Covid-19 had to share the media limelight with the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission – grim stories from past and present. In the blanket coverage first and foremost there were the heart-breaking stories of mothers and their babies, the personal stories of residual hurt and anger made all the more…

Well, 2021 came in with a bang, what with rapid escalation of Covid-19 infection rates, continuing upheaval in US politics and a rare apology from RTÉ. Vocation story In this context, I enjoyed listening to the more relaxed discussions on The Leap of Faith (RTÉ Radio 1, Friday). Michael Comyn spoke to Dr Dermot Farrell,…

The Christmas to New Year season is a rich time for TV and Radio programmes with a religious flavour. Much of the material is made up of repeats so I’m always on the lookout for something different. The mockumentary Death to 2020 (Netflix) was ideal viewing for New Year’s Eve – a scattershot and satirical…

Sometimes when I look back on the year in TV and Radio there’s a certain sameness, but not this year. So many columns I wrote featured Covid-19 in some shape or form. One effect of the coronavirus was the proliferation of repeats in the media schedules with broadcasters finding it increasingly difficult to make programmes…