So much for a quiet festive season! All was calm and bright. Indiana Jones was doing his thing. The year was winding down to a merciful end. Then Aengus Mac Grianna started delivering news again and I think it was about that time I fell asleep.
A sketch about God that aired as part of the RTE New Year’s Eve Countdown show did not comply with the broadcaster’s own standards, RTE’s boss has said.
The sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News featured a mocked-up news report in which God was arrested over “ongoing sexual harassment scandals”.
RTE is to make a voluntary disclosure of non-compliance to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) following an internal investigation.
1. I am shocked that producer/editor of NYE Countdown Show @RTE@RTEOne didnât realise how deeply offensive was a mocking news report accusing God of rape & reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately & denounced by all people of goodwill. Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
Muireann Duffy
RTÃ have confirmed it will remove a sketch, which was intended as satire, from the RTÃ Player following the decision of the broadcaster’s Editorial Standards Board.
As part of RTÃ’s New Year’s Eve Countdown, a segment was aired showing a mocked-up news report featuring former RTÃ news presenter Aengus Mac Grianna claimed God had been arrested over âsexual harassment scandalsâ.
The sketch prompted outrage from some members of the public, with many calling it offensive and blasphemous.
RTà and Mr Mac Grianna apologised for any offence caused by the segment, yet the clip remained on the RTà Player prompting Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Arts and Culture Niamh Smyth to call for it to be removed.