The State of Us: 'Nothing is off limits' in new BBC News NI podcast
For years, Tara Mills and Declan Harvey have been synonymous with radio and television coverage in Northern Ireland - but they are now making the jump to a new medium.The duo are spearheading The State of Us - a podcast which aims to tackle news stories that impact Northern Ireland in a fresh way."We're allowed to loosen the top button a little bit and that's really exciting," Declan said.The first episode is set to be released next week.
Allowing news stories to breathe
"The podcast world is very busy," Tara admits, "but it's also very successful."There's definitely an appetite for going and finding your news in slightly different ways," she adds.The State of Us hopes to offer a more informal, conversational approach to the news agenda."We do a lot of discussing and debating stories," said Tara. "We just thought, where is there space for that? "Maybe there's room to go down the rabbit holes and into the weeds of stories that don't get the time on other BBC outlets."The podcast will expand upon the range of stories that the BBC is reflecting, by offering a platform for them to breathe.""In TV and radio there is a lot of time pressure. We have been released from that pressure," Declan says.Both Tara and Declan will still be keeping on their day jobs as BBC Newsline presenters.
The State of Us
The name of the podcast is one that will be recognisable to people living in Northern Ireland."It's like 'up the Lagan in a bubble'. It's kind of one of those phrases that we say that is quite peculiar to us in Northern Ireland," Tara said.Declan expressed how the name sets the tone for what the podcast aspires to represent."We're just going to talk about the state of us. The good, the bad, what could be better and the stuff we are doing brilliantly. ," he said.
The relationship with the audience will be key to the podcast."This should feel like you're just having a chat with friends," says Declan. "We laugh, we joke, we pull apart the bits that are stressful - why can't we have a conversation about the news like that?"As Tara puts it: "We want people to get knowledge, friendship, companionship and a bit of craic."
'Nothing is off limits'
The pair were keen to emphasise this will be completely different to what audiences have come to expect."We're really excited at covering just a massive range of stories, we've been told that nothing is off limits, and we intend to make the most of that."
Tara and Declan have worked together within BBC News NI for more than half a decade.They struck up a friendship presenting BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra together and working as part of the BBC Newsline television team."For as long as I've known Tara, we have always chatted and debated the news and laughed about things outside of the studio. "What this is doing is just putting a microphone in front of that conversation and hopefully people will join us in the conversation as well," Declan finished.
'Informative and engaging'
Kevin Kelly, head of news and current affairs at BBC News NI, said it was an "exciting new addition to our stable of content for BBC audiences in Northern Ireland and further afield"."The State of Us" podcast will talk about the news, make the news, and help people learn about news stories in an informative and engaging way. It will tackle the big stories, and the serious issues affecting all our lives, and will hopefully have some fun as well along the way," he added.He said it would increase BBC News NI's digital programme footprint.Tara and Declan will be delivering two episodes of "the State of Us" each week and it will also be available on BBC Radio Ulster on Sunday mornings.The release of the podcast coincides with the streamlining of Evening Extra into a dedicated news hour from 17:00 BST to 18:00 focusing on the latest news updates and breaking stories.
Click here to subscribe and listen to the latest episode on BBC Sounds every Tuesday and Thursday.
You can get in touch with the team by contacting thestateofus@bbc.co.uk.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Freddy Brazier announces he's going to rehab to 'get clean' after sad fallout with dad
Freddy Brazier, 20, has revealed he's going to rehab in Spain to get clean after battling a smoking addiction since age 12 Freddy Brazier has announced he is heading to rehab in Spain as he battles a long-standing addiction. The 20-year-old, youngest son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody, revealed he has been addicted to smoking since the age of 12 and is now taking steps to 'get clean.' The move follows reports of a strained relationship with his father Jeff, leading Freddy to leave the family home and move in with his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden, Mirror reports. On Instagram, Freddy opened up about his decision to seek treatment, saying: "I've decided that I will be cutting down and I want to go to Rehab In Marbs as I feel if I'm in England I won't take getting clean seriously." He described smoking as a "bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction, something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and some what OK." Yet now, Freddy is determined to turn his life around. "I've found a boxing club and a rehabilitation centre. Ive found someone I want to get to know and I'm happy. I got a good bunch of friends and I [want to] get out and enjoy myself." His goal is clear. "I want to be clean so I can live happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I'm in the middle and have to choose a side." Freddy also reflected on his struggle to feel loved, admitting, "I haven't been able to feel loved properly as I have never loved myself and it starts now." He hopes to embrace a new chapter, sharing: "I want to play football and take up boxing I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father." The young man ended his heartfelt message with a plea for privacy and understanding: "Every day is a new story about me and my Nana and father. It's getting boring now. Mind your business and have a good rest of the week x." Concerns about Freddy's wellbeing have grown this week after news emerged that he had moved out of his father's home to live with Jackiey Budden. Freddy and Jeff had previously been seen sharing a close bond, notably on the BBC series Race Across the World last year. However, their relationship now appears fractured, with Freddy growing closer to his late mother Jade's mother. Reports say Jeff is devastated by the situation and is considering legal action to prevent Freddy and his grandmother from spending time together. Defying his father's wishes, Freddy has continued to share photos with his grandmother on social media. One recent post alarmed fans as he listed the things he hates about himself, including his 'relationship with weed,' 'step parents,' and his inability to love properly. He also mentioned having 'family issues.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The TikTok video was shared just a day before what would have been Jade Goody's 44th birthday. The late Big Brother star died aged 27 in 2009 after a battle with cervical cancer. Supporters flooded Freddy's post with messages of encouragement. One TikTok user wrote, "Ah man this is gonna be sad to watch," while another said, "Go home son, this is not what mum wanted for you sweetheart." A third added, "Sending you love Fred! Watched you in Race Across the World & you're such a decent lad with so much potential." The tension within the family extends beyond his father. Freddy was absent from his older brother Bobby's 22nd birthday party on Monday, an event reportedly marked by a "sadness" due to his absence. Bobby was said to have spent time with Jeff and his stepmother Kate instead. Freddy was just four when Jade passed away. Since then, Jeff has dedicated himself to raising Freddy and Bobby, striving to provide stability after such a traumatic loss.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Doctor Who's Billie Piper and David Tennant 'to reunite' for special episode
Just days after it was revealed that Billie Piper was returning to Doctor Who, replacing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor, another legendary name has been tipped to make a comeback Doctor Who fans may be in for another huge surprise, as another fan favourite is rumoured to return to the series. Fans are still recovering from the news of Billie Piper's return - and now show legend David Tennant has now been tipped reunite with her onscreen for "one last hurrah". David, who played the role of the Doctor between from 2005 to 2010, is rumoured to be in talks to star in a one off special with co-star Billie. The actress previously appeared as Rose Tyler, companion to the doctor between 2005 and 2006. The pair recently reunited for the BBC special, Doctor Who: Unleashed, 20 Years in Wales where they reflected on their time together. In a sneak preview, Billie and David gushed over how much fun they had on set. Now, it looks like they could be having even more fun - by reuniting for a special anniversary episode. 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who," a source told The Sun. "With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah." It's not the first time David would be making a shock return. In November 2023, he was officially revealed as the Fourteenth Doctor before handing the role over to Ncuti Gatwa. Recently, Doctor Who fans were left stunned when it was announced Billie Piper had replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of science-fiction series Doctor Who. Speaking about her return, Billie said: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse." In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: "You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. "This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. "The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in and making this such a touching experience. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor."
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Doctor Who's Billie Piper 'set to reunite with David Tennant' as she returns to show after Ncuti Gatwa's shock exit
Doctor Who star Billie Piper is reportedly set to reunite with her co-star David Tennant as she makes a surprise return to the show after Ncuti Gatwa 's shock exit. The 42-year-old actress will be replacing the high-profile actor after he bowed out of the BBC drama in last week's finale. The announcement put an end to speculation that he would not return as the Doctor. The BBC offered no explanation for this last minute change and merely blamed 'unforeseen circumstances'. Billie first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor. It was confirmed last Saturday when he surprisingly regenerated into at the end of the series finale. A source told The Sun: 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who. 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.' A statement issued by the BBC said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.' The actor appeared to blame the physical and mental demands of the show for his exit in a new video following fan speculation he was axed from the show. Ncuti explained: 'It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.' The BBC previously denied claims that Ncuti had been axed from his role just days ahead of the finale. 'Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been "axed" is pure fiction,' a spokesperson for the BBC said. The finale also saw Jodie Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Ncuti's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Doctor Who was watched by around 2.5milion last Saturday - around 2million fewer people than the numbers watching when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was on the show until 2022. But this is still a tiny fraction of the sort of interest it used to attract. At its peak it was watched by around 13million on a Saturday night in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
