

The Group Chat
Virgin Media News
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 15, 2024 • 48min
Israel sanctions, children's hospital & "Old Man" Joe
Ireland and Spain have written to the President of the EU Commission asking for sanctions against Israel, but will it make a difference? Zara, Gavan and Richard look at the rising cost of the new National Children's Hospital.And questions about Joe Biden's age continue, a new poll says most Americans think he's too old for the White House Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 8, 2024 • 45min
British Royals, Boycotts and "Fast Car"
Richard, Zara and Gavan talk to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship about the recent cancer diagnosis for King Charles and what it means for Britain's royal family.Why the conflict in the Middle East has hit the sales of McDonald's.And more than three decades after it was first released, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" has become a viral sensation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2024 • 46min
Sinn Féin slide and Taylor Swift deepfakes
Gavan, Zara and Richard discus the new deal to restore the government in Northern Ireland and the recent slide in support for Sinn FéinAnd the group also looks at the fallout from the publication of explicit AI generated deepfakes of Taylor Swift Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 2024 • 22min
BONUS: What does the ICJ's ruling mean for Israel and Gaza?
The International Court of Justice has today issued orders to Israel about the conduct of its war in Gaza - saying it was clear that the threshold for preventative measures had been met.But, in practice, what does that mean? Is Israel likely to comply with this ruling? What change will it make for the people of Gaza? And is a point coming where other countries like Ireland could get involved?Alanna O'Malley, an associate professor from the University of Leiten and an expert in the history of international organisations, joined the group to explain what happened today – and what comes next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 25, 2024 • 44min
Reverse vending machines, red carpets & referendums
Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss media literacy around the conflict in GazaThe upcoming referendums, what you need to knowReverse vending machines, how will they work?And the buzz around the Oscars from Irish hopefuls to Barbie snubs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 18, 2024 • 45min
Roscrea, Cuckoo Funds and Saltburn takes
Protests continue over plans to house International Protection applicants in Roscrea in Tipperary."Cuckoo funds" that are buying up properties are back on the political agenda.And Zara, Richard and Gavan have watched "Saltburn" and they have thoughts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 2024 • 47min
Hospitals in crisis, Israel in court & Barry Keoghan
As hospitals see their traditional January surge in demand, we speak to one doctor on the frontline.South Africa is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice.And everyone is talking about Barry Keoghan and Saltburn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 29, 2023 • 44min
Year in Review w/ Peter McGann & Fionnuala Jay
Peter McGann & Fionnuala Jay join to recap on the most significant news stories of 2023.They talk Ryan Tubridy & the RTE scandal, the downfall of Phillip & Holly, live TV slip ups and a huge year for Taylor Swift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 14, 2023 • 46min
Zelensky's Trouble, COP-out & Golden Globes
Zelensky's approval ratings have slumped down to around 32% in Ukraine. What does their head of armed forces have to do with it?A deal has been struck at COP28 but it's difficult not to be cynical. Big updates in the procurement of facial recognition for Gardaí.Clothing brand Zara is under fire following an insensitive & tasteless ad campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 2023 • 47min
The Minister, Rizz & Christmas Number 1
In the wake of the vote of surviving her vote no confidence does, Minister Helen McEntee stand a chance at regaining law and order?Is it finally time for something new? We chat about why the same Christmas songs stay on the charts every holiday season.From Rizz to Artificial intelligence We discuss the most used words from this year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.