New RTÉ true crime podcast launches today
RTÉ launches Unsolved, a true crime podcast, presented by crime journalist Barry Cummins and presenter Katja Mia.
Unsolved is a weekly podcast exploring unsolved Irish criminal cases, with a particular focus on murders and suspected murders, while also examining a wider range of unresolved crimes.
Barry Cummins is an Irish journalist with 30 years of experience in radio, television and print. Having dedicated his work to the cause of missing people, he has written six bestselling books on true crime and has won ten Justice Media Awards.
Katja Mia is a radio and television presenter who has become a familiar face in Irish media. Formerly a co-host of The Six O’Clock Show, she now presents 2FM Drive alongside Laura Fox. Known for her ability to connect with audiences across television and radio, Katja brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to storytelling.
Putting the victim at the heart of every episode, the presenters will use Barry’s unique access, Katja’s sharp insight and the RTÉ archives to delve deep into their story.
Presenter Katja Mia said, “Working on Unsolved is so important to me as it’s a way to honour the many victims of unsolved cases here in Ireland – to give them a voice and go into their stories in depth. I’m really looking forward to working with Barry on this podcast.”
Presenter Barry Cummins said, “It’s important to give each unsolved case the time, attention and space it deserves. There are hundreds of unsolved murders in Ireland, and that means many killers still getting away with their crimes, and that’s not fair. With this podcast, we aim to put pressure on the criminals by keeping their crimes in the public eye.”
In the first three episodes released today, the focus is on the case of Arlene Arkinson.
In August 1994, 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson went to a disco in Bundoran and never came home. Her body was never found. Despite countless searches, multiple police investigations and even a murder trial in 2005, her family feel they never got justice.
The stories of Raonaid Murray and Fiona Pender will be explored in further Unsolved episodes.
In September 1999, 17-year-old Raonaid Murray was just 500 metres from her home in Dublin when she was stabbed. Despite efforts from her family and friends and massive investigation by law enforcement, her killer has never been found.
In August 1996, 25-year-old Fiona Pender was seven months pregnant, preparing for the birth of her first child when she disappeared from her home in Co. Offaly, never to be seen again.
Unsolved aims to shine new light on these cases and to gather fresh information via their email tip line, unsolved@rte.ie.
The series brings gripping storytelling, experienced insight and a deep dive into some of the unsolved crimes that have captured the attention of the Irish public for decades.
Unsolved lands every Wednesday at 6am. You can listen on the RTÉ Radio Player app or wherever you get your podcasts. It’s also available to watch on YouTube.
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Audrey Donohue, RTÉ Communications Lead