Behind the Story

Podcasts and conflicts of interest were under the microscope at the Dáil media committee today.  Political reporter, Juilette Gash joins Fran and Aisling to discuss Ivan Yates, the media regulator and the possibility that podcasts might be subject to new media rules. 

Later, the duo are joined by Clean Energy lecturer, Paul Deane of UCC, to tease out whether small nuclear reactors could be the answer to the country's future power supply. 

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Jackie Fox and Aisling Kenny are joined by former Democratic Governor Howard Dean to discuss JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg entry into political life.

Jackie also reveals the story behind how she came across Troy Parrott's granny on Portland Row. 

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The US military continues to build up forces off the coast of Venezuela, but what is really going on there? Professor of International Politics, Scott Lucas joins Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle to explain what is happening in the region and why it's possible, the so called war on narco-terrorists is really a pretext for regime change. 

Later, Evelyn and Maggie discuss the Tik Tok awards and how podcasts could soon make an appearance on the platform. 

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Ahead of the release of the government's housing plan, Fran and Laura take at look at what is known so far and reel back the years on previous housing plans. 

Later, as EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announces his flagship policy: the Democracy Shield, Europe Editor, Tony Connelly joins the hosts to explain what the so called 'shield' is and how it might work to combat disinformation and protect democracies. 

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Two senior executives at the BBC have resigned over an edited clip used in a Panorama documentary about Trump and the Capitol Hill riots. But, what exactly happened inside the BBC over the past few days? and why is Trump now threatened legal action and demanding an apology? Reporter Enda Brady joins Fran and Aisling to explain what is going on and why it has become such a huge problem for the world's largest broadcaster. 

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Love motels, cruise ships and new highways - some of the things you might not know about the Climate summit COP30. Laura Fletcher joins Fran to discuss the ins and outs of the biggest environment meeting in the world and the challenges that delegates face over the next two weeks to hammer out an agreement. 

Later, the duo are joined by freelance reporter, Kieran Cunningham to examine the inaugural FIFA's peace prize which is due to be presented at the World Cup draw next month. [No prizes for guessing who is going to win]! 

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Reporter John Cooke joins Fran to discuss the ongoing murder investigation into Co Clare woman, Emer O'Loughlin. Earlier today, a jury at an inquest returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Emer was killed on April 8th 2005 in what were deemed to be suspicious circumstances at the time. Fran and John discuss the case and how the main suspect, John 'Fozzie' Griffin, remains at large. 

Later, Fran is joined by RTÉ's Fiona Mitchell to analyse the dramatic wins for the Democratics in the US overnight and ask if this could mark a turning point in the party's fortunes. 

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An expert in misinformation has warned about the amount of “AI slop” online as a new investigation found 172 instances of political mis- and disinformation on social media platforms in the six weeks leading up to the presidential election.

Ciarán O’Connor from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue told Behind the Story they monitor social media platforms and identify instances of “online attacks on election integrity”.

He told Fran and Jackie they identified "many false, misleading or delegitimising narratives" both about the electoral process and the candidates.

Jackie also discusses covering the unrest at the weekend outside an IPAS centre in Drogheda, which saw a premises set alight.

Mr O’Connor said the “online rumour mill” can be a dangerous element in such situations.

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The judge in the DJ Carey case told the former hurling legend that he can expect a prison sentence for defrauding people for falsely claiming he needed money for cancer treatment. Prime Time's Paul Murphy was in court today to hear the victim impact statements and details about DJ Carey's claim he had received treatment in a Seattle hospital. Paul joins Katie and Aisling to outline what was said in the packed court room. 

Later, Aisling and Katie are joined by The Hill's White House columnist Niall Stanage as he explains how millions of Americans will lose their food stamp benefits from this weekend due to the government shutdown. 

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As the dust settles on the presidential election, some Fianna Fáil members are questioning how their campaign went so wrong – with pressure said to be growing on Micheál Martin and his position as party leader.

Fran and Evelyn sit down with RTÉ Radio 1’s election oracle Barry Lenihan to talk about what the future could hold?

They also discuss RTÉ’s 2024 Annual Report - which saw income from the licence fee drop €4 million last year – and details the top 10 high earners. 

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