Latest news with #VirginMediaTelevision
RTÉ News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Virgin Media launches casting call for Googlebox Ireland
Virgin Media Television's has announced a casting call for families and friends to take part in the new season of Gogglebox Ireland, which returns to screens this Autumn. The series began on Channel 4 in 2013 and observes people watching and commenting on television and this year Irish households who have regularly featured on the Virgin Media version will make their return but the channel is also looking for new faces to take part. Virgin Media says it is looking for members of the TikTok generation in their early 20s, who enjoy watching and talking about what's on TV. They add that a new family is also high on their wish list and is looking for families who watch TV together, with younger members 12+ of particular interest. Intergenerational households and lovers of all things news and current affairs are also a priority for the new series. Interested parties are asked to email casting@ with their contact details and information about their watching group, where they're based, what they like to watch together and a group photo. This will be the tenth Irish series of Gogglebox and the format has also screened versions in over twenty counties, including Australia, Russia, the USA, Germany, Finland, Japan and Norway.
Extra.ie
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Ciara Doherty announces new role after shock exit from Virgin Media
Ciara Doherty has announced her next career move after her surprising exit from Virgin Media. The former Tonight Show and Ireland AM host announced her departure from the station back in 2024 after 14 years. While there were no word on what she'd be doing following her suddent departure, Ciara announced that she'll be trading the television studio for the podcast studio; as she was announced as the new host of Newstalk's upcoming Newstalk Daily podcast. Ciara Doherty has announced her next career move after her surprising exit from Virgin Media. Pic: Virgin Media Television 'Are you on the hunt for a podcast that takes a deeper dive into the stories you care about?' Ciara said in a video announcing the new podcast. 'I'm delighted to join Newstalk, and announce the launch of our new podcast, Newstalk Daily. 'Each weekday, we'll feature one story that has the country talking. Bringing you richer insights, wider analysis, and compelling voices, both here and abroad. We launch on Monday, the 23rd of June, and we cannot wait to bring you our unique insight into the big stories of the day. 'It's conversation that counts on Newstalk Daily, so join us from Monday the 23rd of June.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Newstalk (@newstalkfm) 'Hosted by Ciara Doherty and launching on Monday 23rd June, Newstalk Daily will focus on a story that has captured the public's imagination and has everyone talking,' the station wrote on Instagram. 'Get your 20-minute expert guide to the big stories of the moment whether you are at work, travelling or whenever and wherever you want to be in the know.' Ciara surprised viewers of The Tonight Show last year after announcing her departure, saying in a statement following her exit 'After 14 brilliant years at Virgin Media Television, I've decided to move on from late nights and early mornings to begin a new adventure. 'Thank you to my incredible colleagues and friends, to all of our guests, especially to the viewers who joined me along the way.' Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins 'Now is the time for fresh opportunities, fewer late nights… and I'm genuinely looking forward to what's ahead.'
Irish Examiner
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Sustainable funding essential to ensure future of public service media, say broadcasters
Multiannual, sustainable funding is essential to ensure the future of public service media, according to broadcasters. Ireland is currently among the bottom 10 of 46 countries included in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) with just 0.08% of GDP going towards public service media funding. The is below the EBU average of 0.14%. Director general of TG4, Deirdre Ní Choistín, will tell the Oireachtas media committee that any multiannual funding arrangement must be adequate, predictable and sustainable. Also appearing before the committee are representatives from Virgin Media Television, Screen Producers Ireland and the Community Television Association. The representatives have been invited to give their insights and input as part of pre-legislative scrutiny of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill. Managing director of Virgin Media Television, Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin, will note that Virgin Media Television is entirely funded through advertising and commercial revenues and is the only Irish broadcaster with a public service content remit that is not in receipt of public funding. In her opening statement, Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin will tell the committee that delivering its public service remit on a purely commercial basis is not viable under current funding arrangements. While the proposed media fund is welcomed, Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin highlights that the funding allocation is based on additionality only and so the challenge to maintain its existing remit and output remains. Both TG4 and Virgin Media Television emphasise the importance of media plurality and diversity are crucial for a democratic society. The new platform-neutral media fund will see 25% of any new fund allocated to Irish language, something Ms Ní Choistín believes will strengthen TG4's work with the independent production sector and support Gaeltacht and regional employment. Proposals around funding are largely welcomed, however, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) will raise concerns around new frameworks set out in the bill and whether it complies with the European Media Freedom Act. CEO of SPI Susan Kirby will also tell the committee that commissioning independently produced content on a year-round basis is essential for the successful development of the independent production sector.
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Tanya Sweeney: Watching real lives unfold from aged seven to 63 makes for an unmissable TV series
Today at 21:30 Even amid the rich smorgasbord of prestige TV offerings on the streamers, the showing up on the schedules of one TV show always makes my heart quicken with excitement. Recently, Virgin Media Television re-ran the latest instalment in Michael Apted's Seven Up series, which was filmed in 2022; we are now at 63 Up. For the uninitiated, a quick intro: in 1964, filmmaker Apted found 14 British children, all at or around the age of seven, but from wildly different walks of life. Some were in the care home system; others in the malevolent bosom of the British public boarding school. From there, Apted checked back in with his subjects every seven years, and so we see these interviewees talk about their lives at 14, 28, 35, 42, and so on. The Jesuit motto 'give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man' is the series' backbone. The question is posed time and time again in the series — does any trace of your seven-year-old self still remain?
Extra.ie
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Hilarious moment Alan Hughes confesses to taking item from VIP Style Awards
Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. The Ireland AM crew were discussing instances where items would go 'missing' from events and locations, and mysteriously re-appear in your home (the most famous instance being the cupboard in most Irish homes that are chock full of pint glasses that were yoinked from the pub!) While Muireann told viewers that stealing was bad, the presenters asked if any items were 'liberated,' especially while on holiday — and while everyone's nicked the mini soaps from the hotel bathroom, some viewers admitted to taking some impressive items; ranging from a silver tray that the Godfather of Soul James Brown ate off of (and signed), as well as glasses from the 1980 Rose of Tralee. Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. Pic: Virgin Media Television Alan even admitted to having sticky fingers of his own, most recently at the VIP Style Awards earlier this month. 'I took the flower centrepiece from the VIP Style Awards home,' Alan told a shocked Muireann and Tommy. 'They told me we could take them because they were all going to be thrown out!' while Tommy added 'this is why they love [stealing].' Alan said that he nabbed the white roses on the centrepieces, but admitted that he didn't actually take them home from the awards ceremony (imagine having to explain that to the taxi driver) — but rather got his husband Karl Broderick to do his dirty work for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) 'They said that they were going to [throw them out] — beautiful white roses in a bowl,' Alan said. 'I sent Karl down to get it!' Alan headed to the VIP Style Awards with husband Karl in tow, with Karl paying a special nod to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, which saw Ireland become the first country in the world to pass same-sex marriage via a popular vote. '@ style awards red carpet look,' Alan wrote on his Instagram. 'Great night as always and a huge thanks to @guyclothing for dressing both of us. Alan and his husband Karl stunned at the VIP Style Awards, with Karl paying a special tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'Love Karl's little nod to 10 years of marriage equality with his rainbow pocket sq.'
