There are quite a number of unresolved issues from #picturegate – #Cowengate which I’m interested in exploring.
The nature of the complaints to RTE before and after the apology was broadcast is one area and I’ve been in touch with RTE this afternoon.
Following the broadcast of the original piece on Monday night RTE received 48 calls of complaint and 2 emails including one call from the government press office.
Following the broadcast of the apology to An Taoiseach on Tuesday night over 100 emails of complaint about the apology – ie. complaining that RTE apologised – were received. 10 telephone calls were also received. 2 calls complaining about the original piece were also logged. These are the figures are those received up to yesterday evening.
RTE’s Press Office stated quite categorically that it was RTE senior management who took the decision to withdraw the piece from the website and make the apology before the complaints were considered. It was felt that the tone was wrong and that the piece was in bad taste and too much time was spent showing the portraits themselves. RTE stated that they ‘did not capitulate’ to pressure from the Government.
Whilst stating that RTE frequently receive calls from all types of organisations trying to influence and complain about news coverage, the integrity of the News department is most important. RTE are more than aware of the coverage on this issue online and wished to clarify the perception that the apology.
A debate on RTE, the apology and all those issues around it would be very useful – I did think afterwards of suggesting we hold one – I’ll be back to RTE in the next week on the matter!
An article in today’s Irish Independent on the changing nature of contact between the Government Press Office and RTE – ie by phone and in person to avoid FOI requests led me to ask RTE if they would be aware of this. RTE say they have not noticed any change in the manner in how complaints are received.
A parting thought for the moment – Now more than ever RTE editors need to start blogging and engaging online with viewers and explaining how editorial decisions are made – a call I and others have made before given the excellent BBC editors blog.
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Eyes Only « 200 Words // Mar 27, 2009 at 15:33
[...] been following this blog (or pretty much any Irish media outlet) I believe the real story here is whether RTÉ bowed to political pressure and apologised for reporting the news on Tuesday’s Nine [...]
“RTE say they have not noticed any change in the manner in how complaints are received.”
Of course not. RTE are well used to having the Government Press Office phone in orders like they were a cheap takeaway instead of the national broadcaster.
“Certainly, sir. Would you like a grovelling apology with your retraction, sir?”
“Now more than ever RTE editors need to start blogging and engaging online with viewers and explaining how editorial decisions are made – a call I and others have made before given the excellent BBC editors blog.” Hear hear.
By objecting to the RTE coverage the Taoiseach’s PR person accidentally did freedom of speech in this country a service.
It reminded RTE News it is there to report on events factually and seriously, not become a satirical entertainment programme.
I think those figures tell us a lot about the nature of this debacle. Take away the forms of communication that come from the internet. I.E calls and you have 50 people complaining about the broadcast and 10 people complaining about the apology.
So what does this tell us? A.) That the blogosphere has spun itself into a frenzy that is not recepricated in the outside world. Or B.) that Email is the mode of communication for a certain demographic (young? well off? ) and phone for another (old? poor?) and this reflects the nature of the hurt felt
Personally I think it is A
With a little from column B
To be honest, the focus on RTE is a side issue – there is a case to be made that the original programme could have covered the story without actually showing the paintings in order to sare the dignity of An Taoiseach.
The unbelievable bit is the possibility that someone in Government can ring up the Gardai and tell them to put a couple of detectives on this – this is back to the ‘good old days’ of Sean Doherty and Squire Haughey.
The questions I’d like answered (via FOI or in the Dail) are :-
1) Did anyone in the Dept. of the Taoiseach or Justice request Garda intervention on this matter
2) How was this investigation prioritised above other Garda work
3) Exactly what Garda work was deferred in order to free up the Gardai who called around to TodayFM and to interview the artist
Presumably, there was absolutely no other crimes committed in the area last week if this issue warranted such attention…
/John
or that old people have mistaken deference to authority, which has been shown not to serve the nation simon.
its not about the press spokesman contacting rte it about the spress spokesperson contacting the guards.
Those sophisticated points in defence of the government remind me that Fiann Fail has a well oiled team of people ready to contribute anonymously to public debate.
They are fighters for the cause of FF, and sending in such comments gives them good practice for future political careers.
Interestingly untraceable. Eminently deniable.
Of course RTE was spineless and riddled with FF supporters I bet. But remember the power of the state has been at FF’s disposal.
Actually who is the minister responsible for plain clothes detectives?
Maman Poulet,
Have you seen Michael Kennedy FF TD against RTE on the Leave Conon Casby alone Facebook Group…
Suzy,
One debate duly delivered.
Alan Shortt, Mary O’Rourke, Ronan Mullen and Norin Hegarty of the Tribune.
Don’t you feel better now?
RTE stated that they ‘did not capitulate’ to pressure from the Government.
Even if they had, they wouldn’t say so. Maybe they capitulated to pressure from within, on behalf of the Government. Like a kid who breaks a plate and decides to clean the whole kitchen.
There is no proof that the Press Sectary contacted the Gardaí. All we have is the Quote “the powers that be want action” no one has defined the powers
More FF machine stuff – I think
So Simon doesn’t think that email is a proper form of communication now? Maybe he should drop his blog and crayon in his thoughts to the Times instead? Apparently some are more equal than others afterall.
cearta.ie » Cowengate follow-on: a question, and more pictures at the exhibitions // Mar 29, 2009 at 20:24
[...] Magazine articles that drew my attention | Maman Poulet here, here and here | Mark Humphries | Marking Time | Matt Cooper | Maxi Cane | McGarr Solicitors | [...]
“So Simon doesn’t think that email is a proper form of communication now?”
Where did he say that?