RTE should be pro-Government - FF TD

[David Cochrane]

Interesting reporting in this morning's Irish Independent & Times about Michael Treacy, former government minister and Fianna Fail TD for Galway East.

Yesterday, Deputy Treacy remarked in the Dail that RTE was too left-wing during a debate on the Broadcasting Bill.

During the debate he said that RTE should promote the aims of government.

As far as I am concerned, RTÉ is a left-wing organisation that has not committed itself to enunciating and promoting policies laid down by Government or Parliament

Noel Treacy TD

So our flash poll for the next 24 hours, should the role of RTE be to champion the policies of the Government or the Dail, or should it be editorial independent. We can all (on occasion) make jokes about RTE being "official state television" - I use that term all the time - what do you think? Let us know.

TD slates RTE for 'left-wing bias' in debates - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

Former FF minister says RTÉ left-wing - The Irish Times - Fri, Nov 07, 2008

[Supermanpolitician]

David, I started a similar thread just a few moments ago. Care to merge?

[David Cochrane]

I saw that, I've put this in hp and threw in a poll, I'll put in a redirect from yours if that's ok?

[Supermanpolitician]

OK by me.

think I might have said Noel Treacy and not Michael Treacy. Will amend.

[Defeated Romanticist]

Ofcourse it should. In these times of hope and change we should all work together. Just like Chris Matthews in America who declared himself an operative for Obama recently.

Yes We Can.
Yes We Can.
Yes We Can.


On a serious note. RTE, especially the news correspondants is crazy communist these days, especially that environment *, what's his face. Eoin Harris and Kevin Myers should be put in charge of the TV and radio news. That's all the news we need.

[David Cochrane]

DR, please reconsider the remarks referring to the environment person. If you can't make a point without stupid personal remarks, then I've no time for you here.

[constitutionus]

well we all know in reality that RTE not only gives the government an easy ride but the big three parties as well, irregardless of whos in power, mainly because they know at any one time one of them WILL be.

but to have this idiot, and thats the only description that fits, actually come out and DEMAND the state broadcaster should be onside at all times is staggering.

he may as well change the name to "pravda" and get it over with.

the media's JOB is to keep these feckers honest. if there not squeeling like pigs then theyre doing something wrong.

we all know our political parties are slaved interests groups, be it social or business, so anytime theyre caught pandering to that it should be shown up and if these poor little precious's cant handle it the doors that way.

i actually heard some muppet on matt cooper last night taking about "respect" for the taoiseach ! FFS you gain respect from your actions NOT your job. that sort of thinking leads to the doctor neary school of accountabililty.

[David Cochrane]

I want to know if people agree with Dep Treacy's views. That's the point of the poll.

Is he out of touch, etc. etc.

[Evestown2]

RTE needs to be way more independent of the Government. Its a disgrace that we don't have a political satire show. I know that we have the panel and it is excellent but we need a Bull Island or Halls Pictorial Weekly to keep our politicians honest.

In the last few months a satire show would have practically written itself.

[constitutionus]

RTE needs to be way more independent of the Government. Its a disgrace that we don't have a political satire show. I know that we have the panel and it is excellent but we need a Bull Island or Halls Pictorial Weekly to keep our politicians honest.

In the last few months a satire show would have practically written itself.

you know its actually a testement to how embeded RTE is to the will of government that we cant produce a SINGLE decent comedy.

thats what happens when the powers that be in production are too in fear of causing offense.

i think scrap saturday is the closest we ever came and in the end dermot and co had to go to the brits to do father ted.

says it all really.

ive long maintained that the achillies heal in RTE is comedy. sooner or later one of the private TV or radio stations will cop this and absolutle slaughter them in the ratings as RTE just wont risk it. as youve mentioned theres no lack of material or talent.