“The Story They Wouldn’t Touch”
Veteran journalist Paddy Gorman joins us to discuss on Irish media silence, self-ID, and the corruption of language
‘Since when did journalists avoid something because it was toxic?” - Paddy Gorman
In this new episode of No Fear, No Favour, Seen in Journalism host Cath Leng speaks with broadcaster and reporter Paddy Gorman, whose forty-year career atRTÉ made him one of Ireland’s most recognisable journalistic voices.
Gorman now writes forGript Media and contributes toGenspect, exploring questions of free expression, public trust and the responsibilities of newsrooms. His recent work on Ireland’sGender Recognition Act 2015 has stirred a national conversation about truth, evidence and how journalists use language.
In this episode
* Why one reporter chose to cover a story most outlets ignored — and what that reveals about fear inside modern newsrooms.
* How the shift from factual to “affirmative” language changes the public’s understanding of crime, policy and data.
* What happens when a public-service broadcaster forgets its duty to accuracy.
* Why small independent outlets are taking on stories the legacy press won’t touch.
‘Our job is to blurt out the facts of the matter’
Links:
* I met Barbie Kardashian on release from prison
* Paddy O’Gorman’s interview with Barbie Kardashian - Gript Youtube
* Paddy’s Podcast - Real Chats with Real People
* Gript Media — gript.ie
* Genspect — genspect.org
* Gender Recognition Act 2015 (Ireland) — Irish Statute Book
* Irish Prison Service – Limerick Prison — irishprisons.ie/prison/limerick-prison
* RTE Verify — rte.ie/news/verify
* Heather Humphreys’ remarks — Gript report, Oct 2025
* John Boyne interview —Irish Independent
