Greetings from my couch, where I’m seeking some amusement from the Olympics after a week filled with writing, podcasting, episodes of frustration, seeking cabs (a result of the frustration), and an unhealthy fixation on words and sentences that I should have left behind awhile ago.
This past week witnessed the Government’s final, albeit slightly underwhelming, disclosure of its public media funding strategies. I was amongst the half dozen journalists privileged to conduct individual interviews with RTÉ’s director general, Kevin Bakhurst, during his Thursday afternoon media sessions.
I also found time for a Zoom conversation with another broadcasting supremo in relation to an upcoming unwritten piece, examined the recently presented BBC annual statement, and spent my commuting time daydreaming about who might star in Apple’s forthcoming adaptation of this summer’s popular novel, Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s ‘Long Island Compromise’.
I’m also sharing a collection of some other pieces I’ve been perusing:
What I Read This Week: More revelations from the Murdoch empire and an Irish cinema pioneer
What I Read This Week: Deciphering Donald Trump’s speech and the Derry girls trending
What I Read This Week: Turmoil in France and the issue of extricating art from the artist
What I Read This Week: ‘Brilliant writing revolves around minor details’
Succession may have wrapped up, but the surprises from the family drama that set the scene for the TV series continue rolling in. This week, the New York Times spilled the beans on a clandestine legal feud Rupert Murdoch has been waging against three of his progeny over the continuity of the family’s media dynasty as he intends “to retain it as a conservative political force post-mortem”. Of particular interest in this exclusive revelation is the bit about Elisabeth Murdoch making efforts to align herself as the family’s ‘Switzerland’, fostering amiable relations with all.
Ed Power, in his critique of RTÉ’s compelling documentary, ‘Bishop Casey’s Buried Secrets’, recalls the shock and controversy surrounding the resignation of Eamonn Casey as the Bishop of Galway on 7th May 1992. Power was partaking in his Confirmation ceremony when the news broke, he noted the palpable shock within the sacred confines of the church. The controversy centred around Casey’s relationship with Annie Murphy, but as we now know, it was merely the tip of the iceberg. Anne Sheridan’s diligent work, highlighting numerous accusations of child abuse against Casey, is described as an “essential public service broadcast”.
Meanwhile, Una Mullally found herself amidst a fraught ambience in New York, beset by a pervasive “tremor of fear” due to the potential re-election of US President Donald Trump along with his shrewd vice presidential candidate, JD Vance. People often queried about her experience being in the US during such a tumultuous political atmosphere. Mullally’s response was profoundly satirical, likening the experience to residing inside a history book that was being animated and simultaneously set alight.
Lastly, while marvelling at the phenomenon that lets us witness actors from the 1870s in films from the 30s and 40s, courtesy of Hollywood, one is reminded of just how nascent an art film is. This is best exemplified by the story of Ellen O’Mara Sullivan, the grandmother of Mary Rose Callaghan. Interestingly, her role in the genesis of Irish cinema often goes unnoticed, much like the contributions of many women in myriad other fields.
Included in this summary is an exclusive snapshot of what it’s like working in a media environment. I can assure you, it’s rather toasty in here. To combat these excessive thermals, I’ve been passionately lobbying for a mass adoption of shorts within the office. It’s my belief that an influx of journalists’ bare legs might hasten the arrival of a cooler workspace. For those unsure about how to pull off shorts, Marie Kelly has some great fashion advice that could inject some vigour and zest into your attire. That’s a ray of positivity, at last.
Did You Miss This?
A unique combination of artist and shepherd is Orla Barry’s unique claim to fame. She’s the intriguing focus of a new film by Cara Holmes, Notes from Sheepland. In an interview with Tara Brady, both Barry and Holmes delve into her unique lifestyle and the fascinating role of sheep in visual art.
Podcast Round-Up
Caitríona Perry, who’s a household name in TV news, has had a busy week in Washington covering the major story of Joe Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris stepping up. Perry recently had a chat with Róisín Ingle on The Women’s Podcast about the details of Harris’s nomination and the surprisingly significant impact of Charli XCX’s endorsement.
Likely First Female US President? Kamala Harris is Under Observation
Worth A Peek
The onslaught of scandals, including BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing fiasco, continues to taint the TV industry’s reputation. With bullying and mistreatment rampant in popular TV production, The Hollywood Reporter shines a light on these cultural problems and poses the question: can reality TV be both engaging and principled?
Most Clicked-on Articles:
– Clare emerges victorious in All-Ireland hurling final against Cork with 3-29 to 1-34
– Condolences flow in for 11-year-old Irish girl who tragically lost her life in a Majorca balcony accident
– Kamala Harris’s ancestry traced back to an Irish slave owner in Jamaica
– Divorced at 60 and struggling with loneliness: an anonymous individual envies their ex-spouse’s new life.
A gentleman from Dublin tragically passed away during his cycle tour across France.
Moving on to the upcoming week’s agenda, it’s imperative to realise that a journalist’s bank holiday weekend is rarely idle. More often than not, they may be found scrambling together stories while others savour the warmth of the sun and do something exciting. Yet, this August bank holiday will be an exception for me as I head for my debut visit to Stade Roland Garros in Paris, taking a personal detour for some Olympic tennis action. Precisely what the week leading up to this has in store is uncertain, but chances are it is likely to be fairly intense.