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MediaPLUS: Very to sponsor The Traitors Ireland

MediaPLUS
/ 24th July 2025 /
George Morahan

MediaPLUS is your weekly update on all that matters in media and marketing

The Irish version of popular reality series The Traitors will be sponsored by online retailer Very.

The sponsorship deal includes 240 credited strings across The Traitors Ireland episodes airing on RTÉ One and RTÉ One +1 as well as other content yet to be announced. 

The agreement also covers live broadcasts on RTÉ Player, all available catch-up episodes, and sponsor logos on all dedicated promos across television, audio and social media channels. 

The package also includes 2 x 10” credited stings top and tail around The Traitors Ireland segments on the official radio partner of the series, which will be announced later in the summer. 

Business Bulletin

Presented by Derry Girls actress Siobhán McSweeney, filming of the show recently concluded at Slane Castle in Co Meath, and it will air later this year.

“Through our sponsorship of The Traitors Ireland, which is set to be a key cultural moment this autumn, we’ll be able to bring our ‘flamazing’ brand world into play and add a splash of flamboyance to the mystery," said Catherine O'Toole, head of marketing for Very.

“Viewers will see distinctly Very branded stings across the live shows and on catch-up featuring our much-loved Irish flamingo, Cherry.”  

Alex Culligan, head of media sponsorship for Core Sponsorship, said: “Very wants to connect with a highly engaged audience at a key time of year for the brand, so the timing and the opportunity are a perfect match.”  

MediaPLUS
Grey London's 'The Toymaker' for Vodafone.

Grey launches 'Toymaker' broadband campaign for Vodafone

Vodafone Ireland has launched a new brand campaign that is designed to reposition the company in the broadband market.

Created specifically for the Irish market by Grey London, 'The Toymaker' tells a story of “connection, care, and the quiet magic that happens inside the home.”

The campaign highlights Vodafone Ireland's home broadband offering and has been rolled out on AV platforms nationwide. The ad was directed by Si and Ad from Academy Films

A second wave, expanding the campaign to additional channels, is expected in January 2026.

“This campaign is a testament to the lengths we will go to spark joy in those we love," said Conrad Persons, chief executive of Grey London.

"Our partnership with Vodafone Ireland continues to allow us to spotlight the power of connection — whether big or small, matter-of-fact or deeply meaningful. We’re delighted to tell a story that feels both relevant and resonant.”

Orla Nagle, head of brand for Vodafone Ireland, said: “The Toymaker is a celebration of the quiet magic that happens when people truly connect.

"In homes across Ireland, it’s the little everyday moments, shared laughter, unique connections, and stories that matter most.

"We’re proud of the part we play in making those moments possible, and Grey London captured that sentiment beautifully with storytelling that’s both emotionally rich and strategically sharp.”

MediaPLUS
Petula Martyn. (Pic: RTÉ)

Martyn appointed RTÉ News mid west correspondent

Petula Martyn has been announced as RTÉ News' new mid west correspondent, replacing Cathy Halloran following her retirement.

In the role, Martyn will provide reporting and analysis across RTÉ News platforms on social, economic, cultural and political developments across the region, including the counties of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.

Martyn joined RTÉ News in 2011 and has worked as a multimedia journalist across television, radio and online platforms.

She currently presents the business news on Morning Ireland, the One O'Clock News, and Drivetime.

She has also presented Morning Ireland, This Week and The Business, political party conference coverage and for RTÉ Sport during the Olympic Games.

The Limerick native has also reported on the county's recent All-Ireland successes, including a RTÉ Radio 1 documentary, Limerick: Pure Proud.

She has also reported on general elections from the mid west as well as the election and inauguration of the region's first directly elected mayor.

Martyn began her journalism career in Limerick with Live 95FM, later joining the Limerick Leader. She holds an MA in Journalism from DCU and a BA in Media and Communications and English from Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.

She will take up the new role in the autumn.

"Having grown up, studied, and started my journalism career in the region, I am delighted to return to take up the role of Mid West Correspondent," said Martyn.

"I’m looking forward to covering the stories that matter to the people of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary, including challenges in healthcare, housing, infrastructure, as well as cultural events and no doubt, sporting triumphs.

"I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to continue the great work that Cathy Halloran did for over 30 years. I care deeply about this region and its people, and I’m committed to telling their stories with integrity and dedication, as a consistent and trusted voice for RTÉ News."

MediaPLUS
Louise Burne, political correspondent for the Irish Examiner. (Pic: X/Louise Burne)

Burne joins Examiner as political correspondent

Louise Burne has joined the Irish Examiner as a political correspondent.

Burne started her journalism career with Extra.ie before moving to the Irish Daily Mail, where she latterly served as political reporter

From there, she moved to the Irish Mirror, also as political correspondent. She holds a BA in Journalism from TU Dublin.

"Some personal news! After a great few years at the Mirror, I am starting with the @irishexaminer as a Political Correspondent today," Burne wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"Looking forward to working with a great political team over what will be a busy few months."

MediaPLUS
Donald Trump. (Pic: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Trump claims new CBS owner will gift him $20m of airtime

Donald Trump has said he expects the incoming owners of US television network CBS to provide him with $20m worth of advertising and programming.

Paramount, the outgoing parent of CBS, recently reached a $16m settlement with Trump over claims of misleading editing by CBS News of a pre-election interview with Kamala Harris last year.

CBS said the lawsuit was "completely without merit," but Paramount is in the midst of an $8bn sale to Skydance Media, which requires the approval of federal regulators.

Film production and financing company Skydance was founded by David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder and Trump ally Larry Ellison.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the settlement had been paid and that he was expecting more from the new owners of Paramount.

“Paramount/CBS/60 Minutes have today paid $16 Million Dollars in settlement, and we also anticipate receiving $20 Million Dollars more from the new Owners, in Advertising, PSAs [public service announcements], or similar Programming, for a total of over $36 Million Dollars,” he wrote.

Trump's post comes after CBS cancelled The Late Show, the venerable late-night chat show presented by the likes of David Letterman and, latterly, Stephen Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump.

Colbert described the Paramount settlement as "a big fat bribe" prior to the cancellation. He is due to remain on air until the end of May, but he said on Monday that "the gloves are off".

'Prediction error' gives RSA advert maximum impact

Every week, Amárach and Future Proof Insights share exclusive findings from their PRIZM+ ad testing service, showcasing best practice creative advertising in Ireland.

Think about your favourite twist in a film, the kind that made the whole cinema go quiet for a beat.

You weren’t just reacting to what happened. You were reacting to your brain getting it wrong.

That moment is what psychologists call a prediction error. It happens when the brain confidently guesses what comes next, and then gets blindsided.

Whether it's the punchline to a joke or the reveal in a thriller, this disruption grabs attention and carves the moment into memory.

RSA’s campaign uses the very same mechanic to drive home an important message about speeding on rural roads.

Using a repetitive loop normality, the audience's brain identifies a monotonous pattern, that is abruptly torn down. The contrast doesn't just surprise. It sticks.

This is what is known as a "prediction error".

To read more on this analysis from Future Proof Insights, click HERE.

Photo: (l-r) Niamh Donnelly, Very marketing manager - brand & sponsorship; Siobhán McSweeney; Catherine O'Toole, Very head of marketing; Karen Fitzpatrick, marketing manager - PR & social. (Pic: Supplied)

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