Behind the Story

The online journalism and entertainment sectors - from news websites to music streaming services - are facing new challenges with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. How can media companies finance high quality journalism and fight off the threat of AI at a time when digital advertising is becoming more fragmented?

David and Katie discuss what all this means with Dr Eileen Culloty, the Deputy Director of Dublin City University's Institute for Media, Democracy and Society.

And from fake news to fake grooves - how AI-generated music is now being listened to by millions. 

Also, David and Katie debut their brand new podcast song "Breaking the Airwaves"! 

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As the public is urged to conserve water in several counties, David and Katie speak to Public Affairs Editor, David Murphy about the shortage of water and why it is having a serioius impact on future housing developments. They also discuss the demands on the electricity grid and how more energy is needed to power our homes and businesses. 

Later, David is delighted to discuss 'constitutional' matters that are arising in the Courts over the issue of who can attend Cabinet meetings. 

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When she was a small child, Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan lived in a home where domestic abuse was commonplace. On one particular night, her mother's former partner threatened to kill them and her mother risked her life to save the children.

Recently, Nicole spoke in the Seanad and was sucessful in getting an amendment added to the revised domestic abuse laws, if the amendment suceeds, the presence of children will be considered an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing an abuser.

Katie and Fran speak to Nicole about her life as a young child and how years later the impact of domestic abuse still affects her.

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In an unexpected turn of events at the Court of Appeal, Conor McGregor withdrew the so called new evidence.  McGregor is appealing the finding of a civil case where a jury found he had raped Nikita Hand in a hotel in 2018.

Orla O’Donnell, RTÉ's Legal Affairs Correspondent, was in the appeal court this week and she joins Fran and Katie to tease out the details of the appeal and where the case might go now.   

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David, Katie and Fran take a look at the politics behind the row over college fees. Earlier this week, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless confirmed there are no cost of living measures to support the continued reduction in fees but that Budget 26 negotiations were ongoing. The opposition isn't happy with that position and wants clarity. 

The trio also discuss UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves tough time during Prime Ministers questions in the House of Commons today. 

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Labour's win over the Tories last summer was described as a 'loveless landslide' and as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer marks one year in office, David, Katie and Fran discuss his short lived political honeymoon. Recent polls suggest he has some of the lowest approval ratings of any recently elected PM. 

The trio are joined by George Parker, Political Editor of the Financial Times to examine Starmer's political wins and losses. Also George reveals what it is like to play football with the Prime Minister. 

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A school beating that lingered: Paul Cunningham reveals his personal story of what happened to him as a ten year old child and how recent changes to child protection guidelines are helping to address some of the issues victims were experiencing when contacting their former schools. 

Katie and Paul also discuss Ireland's defence spend and why government are getting involved in an EU procurement scheme. 

And 27 dresses - the Bezos/Sanchez wedding!  

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The race to become the next Mayor of New York took a surprising turn when a relative unknown candidate topped the Democratic primary - David, Katie and Fran discuss what that might mean for the Democratic Party. Later, the trio discuss the report in the decline of the nightclubs and the cost of gigs this summer. 

David and Fran also talk to Katie about the cancellation of the TV show Upfront and what might happen next. 

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As the trailer drops for Saipan the movie, Fran and Katie discuss who they supported in the Roy Keane v Mick McCarthy row from World Cup 2002. 

The team also discuss the impact of new requirements to provide US authorities with info on social media accounts for student study visas. And later, Graham Finlay, Assistant Professor in UCD discusses the possibility of regime change in Iran. 

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As some well known names rule themselves out,  while others express interest in running for the Presidency, Fran, David and Katie discuss the most brutal race of all, a run for Áras. 

With just four months to go, who are the possible candidates that might emerge? The trio discuss previous Presidential campaigns including the infamous 1990 campaign that saw Mary Robinson elected. David surprises Katie and Fran with a quick Presidential pop quiz! 

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