RTE spreading the muck for Shell

mayo | environment | news report

Tuesday October 03, 2006 22:18

by John Kelly - CFSD

Interviews men working on site and no other view is sought !

RTE radio interviewed men who were "glad" to be starting work today at the controversial Shell site in North Mayo. No alternative views were sought by the state broadcaster.

At 13.35 RTE radio one announced on their "News at One" bulletin that they were "going to the west now" to cover the "latest developments" in the Shell saga. They proceeded to interview people who were working on the site and who were "glad" to be doing so. They also interviewed a spokesman for Shell. No one who was protesting was interviewed. I lodged a complaint. This is going to become the norm if they are allowed to get away with it, they have a remit to produced balanced coverage of issues, especially issues of controversy.

I would suggest to all concerned to email the editor at : newsdesk@rte.ie Phone 2082177 and also write to the Director General of RTE and perhaps ask him are his editors operating under a directive from Government in realtion to coverage of this story ? It is vital to keep up the pressure on the "National Broadcaster" to carry out it duties impartially. "Information is power" and well the Government and Shell know it.