Sir, – I find RTÉ's seeming contempt for the rulings of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) deeply troubling ("Complaints upheld against Ray D'Arcy show abortion coverage", December 22nd).
From personal experience, I know that to complain to the BAI about RTÉ’s liberal-left bias on current affairs requires considerable time and effort. Thanks to its huge income from the TV licence fee, RTÉ can devote considerable resources to swatting away those who would dare question its fairness or balance. This is not a luxury enjoyed by its media competitors.
It is now evident that even when people are successful with a complaint of bias against RTÉ, the state broadcaster can continue as before without any real penalty from the ineffectual BAI. Why is it that we Irish can’t “do” regulation? – Yours, etc,
KARL MARTIN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.
Sir , – I write to protest at the outrageous behaviour of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with regard to the Ray D’Arcy radio show.
It is clear that the so-called pro-life movement is watching and besetting the media in general and RTÉ in particular so as to advance their views and silence dissent. No surprises there.
However, I am absolutely furious that the BAI is allowing itself to be used as a a battering ram for this purpose. I do not consent to the use of agencies of this state to which I pledge my allegiance and pay my taxes being used to advance the campaign of right-wing religious groups.
Stop it now! – Yours, etc,
ADRIAN P O’GORMAN,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.