DJ criticised for Jesus remark

REFERRING to Jesus as a “Palestinian terrorist” on live radio earned RTÉ presenter Gerry Ryan the wrath of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

A complaint made by a member of the public against the Gerry Ryan Show was one of five upheld by the commission. The others included complaints against the promotion of adult drama during children’s programming on RTÉ TV, a 15-rated film shown in the afternoon on Channel 6, and a discussion on immigration on Radio Kerry.

As a Catholic, complainant Mr Kevin Conroy said he found the use of the term “deeply insulting” to his religious beliefs.

RTÉ, in its response, said the phrase had been used in a humorous way, as “part of a skit”. The state broadcaster also rejected any suggestion that Mr Ryan had belittled the complaints process.

However, the BCC ruled that the presenter’s reference to Jesus Christ was “gratuitous” and, given the context, manner and tone, was “likely to cause undue offence”. “In the opinion of the commission, the remark was unwarranted and unjustified.”

Two complaints against RTÉ regarding adverts shown during children’s afternoon programming for post-watershed drama series such as The Sopranos, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, and Prison Break were also upheld by the BCC who found that the content of the promos were “adult in nature” as well as “explicit and violent”, with clips of violence, explosions, and somebody looking through a key-hole at a naked woman.

“It was not suitable material for children,” said the commission, upholding two complaints on the subject, from Carol McGowan and Theresa Leahy.

The airing of a film, Kissing a Fool, between 4pm and 5.45pm on May 13th led to a complaint against Channel 6 being upheld by the BCC. A viewer, Graham Kenny, complained about the film’s sexual content and language and the commission agreed that it was “unacceptable” at the time of broadcast.

A complaint against RTÉ regarding the broadcasting of the Angelus was among 23 complaints rejected by the BCC. The commission found that it could not be found to cause “unwarranted offence” to non-believers.