Embarrassing technical difficulties for RTE during last night's PrimeTime
For approximately 10 minutes, the words "Irish Ukrainians not Russians" repeated on a loop.
The aim of the programme was to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine, with the audio feed glitching on the words of Russian ambassador Maxim Peshkov.
His words repeated on a continuous loop, while the video feed played out seemingly uninterrupted.
Irate viewers took to Twitter to express their annoyance at the oversight.
Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs, Kevin Bakhurst, later tweeted: "Many apologies to those watching RTEOne and #rtept - the engineers were aware and trying to sort. Not acceptable fault. Infuriating."
Many apologies to those watching RTEOne and #rtept - the engineers were aware and trying to sort. Not acceptable fault. Infuriating.
— Kevin Bakhurst (@kevinbakhurst) March 3, 2014
He also suggested the problem may have originated with an 'SD down-converter' in the TV transmission area.
Initial reports on tonight's technical problem suggest it was an 'SD down-converter' in TV transmission area. HD unaffected. Sorry. #rtept
— Kevin Bakhurst (@kevinbakhurst) March 3, 2014
The RTE Primetime account tweeted: "Many apologies for the enormous and embarrassing technical problem on PT tonight. Engineers were on to it straight away but difficult to stop."
Many apologies for the enormous and embarrassing technical problem on PT tonight.Engineers were on to it straight away but difficult to stop
— RTÉ Prime Time (@RTE_PrimeTime) March 3, 2014
#irishukrainiansnotrussians is now trending in Ireland with many people now seeing the funny side of the error.
In addition, a techno-remix of the event is now circulating on social media.
I reckon RTE +1 will have record viewers in about 45 minutes... #irishukrainiansnotrussians
— Dodge (@seidodge) March 3, 2014
Wouldn't it be great if first thing Vincent Browne said tonight was "#irishukrainiansnotrussians
— Ken Sweeney (@KenSweeney) March 3, 2014
I look forward to the Linda Martin remix #irishukrainiansnotrussians
— Paul O'Hehir (@paulohehir) March 3, 2014
Be vigilant! Thousands of sleeper agents were awoken last night! #irishukrainiansnotrussians
— No More Workhorse (@Nomoreworkhorse) March 4, 2014
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