Northside People lands starring role in RTÉ series

THE hard-working staff at Northside People have landed a starring role in the second series of an RTÉ documentary about local newspapers in Ireland. 

‘The Local Eye’ returns to our screens this week with three new local newspapers put under the microscope.

The observational documentary follows the fortunes of three local newspapers – The Donegal Post, The Nenagh Guardian and Northside People. 

Over the next six weeks, ‘The Local Eye’ aims to give viewers a real insight into what it takes to put together that most essential part of many Irish people’s week – their local paper. It highlights how each local newspaper is uniquely placed to bring the news that matters to their readers – news that can often be overlooked by the national media.

The series shines a light on the sterling work local newspapers do while also uncovering some of the very entertaining characters who work in them.

Series producer, Mary Martin, explained: “’This is a big-hearted show that offers a window into a world seldom seen. This year, we follow journalists and photographers out and about on some of the biggest stories of their year. 

“When Charles and Camilla landed in Donegal, we followed The Donegal Post on the hunt for a scoop.

“When Tipperary won the All-Ireland Hurling final, we followed The Nenagh Guardian’s star photographer Bridget as she snapped the champs. 

“And this year we feature Mrs Brown’s favourite paper, Northside People, following the team as they pitch their risqué headlines to the show’s creator, Brendan O’Carroll.”

 ‘The Local Eye’ seeks to give viewers a real insight into the cut and thrust of creating their local newspaper, following the editors, reporters and staff as they find stories, manage new media and handle everyday dilemmas. 

Tony McCullagh, group editor of Dublin People, said they were delighted to be involved with the new series.

“Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of our Northside People title, making us the longest serving local newspaper in Dublin,” he stated. “This series will provide great insight into how the paper has evolved over the years and managed to survive the many challenges it faced.”

He added: “We have some great characters working here and we hope that viewers will find them as entertaining as we do.”

The second series of ‘The Local Eye’ starts on RTÉ One this Thursday, November 17, at 7pm.

You can watch the trailer for the new series here.