RTÉ and GPA reach compromise on product placement

RTÉ and the GPA have reached a compromise over the contentious issue of product placement.

A number of intercounty squads had refused to grant interviews to the broadcaster after Donnybrook bosses banned players drinking Club Energise, a GPA sponsor, during post match interviews.

RTÉ maintained that they were legally bound to prevent such “surreptitious advertising” and the two parties have been in talks for the past fortnight in an effort to resolve the issue.

Last night, the GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said that his Association, “with RTÉ’s agreement, has decided to refer, for clarification, this case to an independent Contact Committee in the EU, which deals with disputes arising from the implementation of the legislation.

“In return for the collective co-operation of players, the national broadcaster has made a longer-term commitment to players to acknowledge the added value of player accessibility for interview purposes.

“Negotiated over a period of several weeks, the package will provide the GPA with extensive benefits, including coverage of GPA events which will ensure the withdrawal of the product during interviews with players. Whilst the terms of the agreement will remain confidential, the GPA is satisfied that the strategic value placed upon the co-operation of players by RTÉ, is a very significant development with broader implications.”

The station also issued a statement last night stating that negotiations with the GPA: “have reached a mutually satisfactory conclusion. RTÉ Television is satisfied and very happy that viewers and players will again enjoy the full editorial coverage that such an exciting GAA season deserves.”