Evelyn O'Rourke

Arts and Media Correspondent

Broadcasters collaborate to compete in TV drama market

With approximately 74% of Irish households now accessing video streaming services, how does a public service broadcaster such as RTÉ compete for audiences for its original drama? writes Evelyn O'Rourke.

Analysis and Comment • 2 hrs

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell attends the art'otel London Battersea Power Station launch event on 26 April, 2023 in London

Derry Girls star joins Screen Ireland 2026 launch

Screen Ireland has launched its annual slate of film, television and animation productions in Dublin, outlining projects due to reach audiences across 2026.

Entertainment • 30 Jan

Musicians gather to mark launch of Tradfest 2026

Musicians from across the country have gathered today to mark the launch of the 21st Tradfest. Tradfest, which is Ireland's largest traditional and folk music celebration, is a place where musicians from across the country can come together in a busy programme of events.

Ireland • 21 Jan

Minister O'Donovan said the report sets out 149 recommendations and includes proposed legislative changes (file pic)

Minister publishes review of Arts Council IT project

Minister for Media Patrick O'Donovan has welcomed the Expert Advisory Committee's Independent Review of the Governance and Organisational culture of The Arts Council of Ireland.

Ireland • 20 Jan

Christy and Saipan lead IFTA nominations

The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has unveiled the nominations for the 2026 IFTA Awards, recognising work across Film and Drama in 29 categories.

IFTA Awards 2026 • 20 Jan

RTÉ Radio 1, Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ 2fm and Lyric FM are broadcasting from the GPO throughout the day

RTÉ marks 100 years of Irish radio with GPO broadcasts

RTÉ radio is marking 100 years of public service broadcasting in Ireland with a series of broadcasts from the GPO.

Ireland • 15 Jan

The final report from the expert advisory committee has now been submitted to the Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan

Arts Council IT project 'understated costs' - review

A new independent review into the abandoned IT project at the Arts Council at a loss of €5.3 million, has found that the business case for the project "understated" the costs involved and that it "did not include VAT" nor the cost of "streamlining business processes".

Ireland • 19 Jan

Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in a sauna in Saipan

McCarthy and Keane clash brought to life in Saipan

Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane infamously volcanic relationship is revisited in all its grubby glory in the movie Saipan.

Movie Review • 02 Jan

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 12: Bono of U2 sprays the crowd with champagne while performing on stage at Wembley Stadium on June 12th, 1987 on 'The Joshua Tree' tour in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)

5 things we learned today from the State Papers

Among the things we learnt today from the State Papers were the political campaign that Billy Wright's father David was organising to obtain an inquest into his son's death, and Bertie Ahern's concerns about the proposed roll-out of the Ethics in Public Office Act.

State Papers • 30 Dec 25

Ambassador frustrated with govt attitude to $1bn oil deal

An Irish ambassador's frustrations at department officials for their attitude to a proposed investment of $1bn from Saudi investors in the country's oil facilities is contained in newly released files from the National Archives.

State Papers • 30 Dec 25