Behind the Story

RTÉ's Director General, Kevin Bakhurst and the leadership team appeared at the Oireachtas media committee today to give an update on developments at the broadcaster. Fran and Barry Lenihan discuss the issues politicians were keen to get answers on including whether Mr Bakhurst was invited to Ryan Tubridy's wedding! 

Later, Adam Maguire joins Fran and Barry to explain the other big media story of the past few days; Netflix's attempt to buy Warner Brothers and whether the deal could impact the price of subscriptions. 

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Gardaí have described the fatal attack on a family home in Edenderry as 'callous, reckless and murderous'. Mary Holt and her four year old grand nephew died in a fire that was started deliberately on Saturday night. Investigating Gardaí are saying one line of inquiry is that an organised drug gang may have targeted the house in a case of drug debt intimidation. 

Limerick based Addiction counsellor, Michael Guerin joins Fran and Maggie to discuss the wider issue of drug use and the impact drug debt and intimidation can have on people. 

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The US military and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth are under pressure over the killing of 11 people during a boat strike on Sept. 2nd. Louise Byrne and Cian McCormack are joined by Niall Stanage of The Hill who explains the controversy and why the administration is standing firm on it's policy of attacking so-called 'narco-terrorists. 

Later, Cian and Louise reveal their listening age on Spotify Wrapped. John Meagher of the Irish Independent discuss 'Wrapped' and why we like to appear 'cool' with our listening age! 

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The country's most famous road is officially at capacity but can anything be done to improve journey times on the M50? Reporter Conor McMorrow joins Fran and Maggie to outline the issues with the M50 and reveal a few interesting facts such as why there is no junction 8! 

Later, Assistant Professor and Architect Orla Hegarty of UCD joins the duo to explain the government new report - 'Acclerating Infrastructure' which outlines actions to speed up the delivery of critical projects. 

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Over the weekend, the government confirmed President Zelensky will visit Dublin on Tuesday. Political editor, Joe Mag Raollaigh joins Jackie Fox to outline the visit and explains the security operation that has swung into place. 

Later, Jackie speaks to Christopher Miller of the Financial Times who is in Kyiv, he explains how the leaked details of the peace talks are being received by the Ukranian public and outlines the corruption scandal that is dominating the headlines in the country. 

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Earlier this week, Enoch Burke was jailed for the fourth time since 2022 for contempt of court. He appeared by videolink from Mountjoy today to listen to the latest decisions in relation to his case. Legal Affairs correspondant, Orla O'Donnell joins Fran on hosting duties and together the duo speak with Bernard Dunleavy SC about contempt and the challenge of the Burke family's continued disruption of court proceedings. 

Later, Orla and Fran discuss reports that people are posting on social less and less! 

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Today, the government announced a scoping inquiry into abuse by former surgeon Michael Shine. Shine was found guilty of child abuse in 2019 and released from prison three years ago, however it is believed he abused hundreds of children and young men over his thirty years as a medical doctor. 

Reporter Saoirse McGarrigle joins Fran and Laura to discuss the case and how she met and interviewed Shine in his kitchen in Dublin in May of this year. 

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President Trump is sounding positive about the talks to bring about peace in Ukraine, however President Zelensky says borders cannot be changed by force. How realistic is the so called 28 point plan tabled by the US? Fran is joined by Keir Giles, an expert in Russia at Chatham House think tank, to discuss the latest proposals and whether a deal could be reached by the US deadline of Thanksgiving. 

Later, consumer affairs correspondant, Aengus Cox explains the new law which is coming into affect this week that sets down rules around access to cash via ATMs in rural areas. 

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Award winning Producer-Director Trevor Birney speaks to Fran about his new two part TV documentary, DJ Carey: The Dodger. Trevor, who produced critically acclaimed films including Kneecap and Quinn Country explains what attracted him to the DJ story. Trevor believes there are many more victims of Carey's fraud and that the full impact of his lies may never been known.

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Police authorities across Europe including Ireland have undercovered a massive money laundering network that included buying a bank! Crime correspondent, Paul Reynolds joins Fran and Aisling to explain how the network operated and how the Kinahan organised crime group are involved. 

Later, as Black Friday deals ramp up, sustainability expert, Laura Costello discusses how advertising is pushing consumers to buy more and more, but there are small signs things are changing, second hand websites are becoming more popular and 'de-influencing' is becoming a 'thing'!! 

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