The chiefs in RTÉ and their masters in government have always had a hostile attitude to northern nationalists who sought to speak the truth about the situation here. You have only to think of the hostile way they treated Gerry Adams and the late Martin McGuinness all through the years. I remember a highly paid woman interviewer asking Martin McGuinness had he gone to Confession lately. I remember doing an interview on Liveline and somebody phoned in after the interview referring to me: ‘He is some tulip’. That was read out after my interview was finished by the woman presenting the programme. The attitude of the RTE bosses and presenters was one of complete disrespect. Clearly, these people have no principles.
Some years ago when RTE implemented a policy of excluding elected representatives from the airwaves a few of us led by the late Fr Des Wilson began a Boycott RTE campaign. Des Wilson believed in the power of economic boycott. ‘Hit them in the pocket’ was his mantra. We had limited resources but we were quite effective. After watching Claire Byrne close down Joe Brolly on Monday night I thought it might be worthwhile reviving that campaign.
The Boycott campaign focussed on products advertised on RTÉ and in the RTÉ Guide. I believe our campaign which gained some traction rattled the big chiefs in RTE and a few in government. The Boycott campaign led to a meeting with the Minister for Communication at the time, Michael D. Higgins, who assured us that that the censorship of any political party or any voice for justice was wrong and he would seek to have it discontinued. It was discontinued.
I believe a new Boycott RTÉ campaign would receive widespread support throughout the country. It would raise awareness about our right to be heard on the airwaves and not silenced as Joe Brolly was the other night. RTÉ should not get away with their fascist tactics. That day is over.
Comments are closed.