Watchdog upholds complaint against Newstalk presenter George Hook over comment about rape case

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has upheld a complaint about comments made by Newstalk presenter George Hook on his High Noon programme in September.

Referring to an alleged assault on a woman in the UK, the broadcaster made remarks about the personal responsibility of rape victims and asked: "is there no blame now to the person who put themselves in danger?".

An apology was issued the following day by Newstalk and George Hook who was suspended for a time from the station before being given another show.

The BAI has upheld the complaint saying the broadcaster failed to take corrective action in a timely fashion.

It was one of a number of judgements issued by the broadcasting watchdog today.