Evelyn O'Rourke

Arts and Media Correspondent

A burnt down auditorium of the Eliot Arts Magnet academy, Altadena

Disruption to the LA movie and music awards season

February and March are key months for awards seasons in Los Angeles for both the music and movie industries, but as firefighters there continue to battle the flames, the grim reality of the impact of the wildfires is impossible to tell.

Entertainment Headlines • 13 Jan

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg announced this week that fact-checking would be removed from Instagram and Facebook

Meta's Zuckerberg puts regulators in the spotlight

Following Meta's announcement that it will be shelving its fact-checking programme in the US, Arts and Media Correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke asks what does the tech giant's move mean for users and regulators?

Analysis and Comment • 11 Jan

Artists who will be partaking in this year's First Fortnight Mental Health Art & Culture Festival

Mental health art and culture festival set to begin

The two-week First Fortnight Mental Health Art and Culture Festival starts today and features more than 65 events, including stage, dance, music, poetry, visual arts, film and discussion panels.

Ireland • 04 Jan

6 talking points from arts and media in 2024

A farewell to Edna O'Brien, Eurovision controversies and the 'Era's tour', RTÉ's Arts and Media Correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke delves into an eventful year across music, film, theatre, culture and literature, listing the biggest moments that hit the world of entertainment in 2024.

2024 in Review • 27 Dec 24

Current Minister for the Arts Catherine Martin

General Election: what issues face candidates in the arts sector?

The arts sector in Ireland, while thriving in many areas (look at the international success of artists such as Paul Mescal, Claire Keegan, Sally Rooney and Dermot Kennedy,) the sector continues to face numerous on-going challenges .

Opinion and Analysis • 25 Nov 24

Jon Kenny was recognised as a talented, relevant, and important part of Irish cultural life

Jon Kenny - A uniquely Irish cultural giant

Jon Kenny was funny, charming, and unafraid to speak honestly and movingly about his own personal battles with health, writes Evelyn O'Rourke.

Analysis and Comment • 16 Nov 24

Jennifer Zamparelli, who hosted the launch, and BGET General Manager Stephen Faloon

New shows, big stars for Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 2025

The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has revealed it's 2025 season featuring a star-studded line-up of blockbuster productions including Moulin Rouge!, War Horse and Tina.

Entertainment • 07 Nov 24

Kathleen Watkins has died aged 90, five years after her husband, RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne [Pic: RTÉ Stills Library]

Broadcaster Kathleen Watkins has died aged 90

The writer, musician and broadcaster Kathleen Watkins died earlier today in Dublin, surrounded by her family.

Ireland • 07 Nov 24

Jennifer Zamparelli: "I was at 2fm for ten years and while I really miss the listeners and the crew there, I am very happy with my decision."

Zamparelli: I'm 'very happy' with 2fm exit decision

Former 2fm presenter Jennifer Zamparelli has said that she is "so happy" with the balance she has in her life following her shock departure from the station earlier this year and admits she has no regrets.

Entertainment • 07 Nov 24

Paul Mescal spent almost an hour with fans outside the Lighthouse Cinema

Mescal 'blown away' by Irish fans at Gladiator premiere

The Irish premiere of Gladiator II took place at the Lighthouse Cinema on Thursday evening, with Kildare native Paul Mescal spending nearly an hour with fans who had gathered at the Dublin venue.

Movies • 10 Nov 24