RTÉ insist controversial analysts won’t ‘be seen off’

RTÉ chiefs insist none of their controversial analysts will ‘be seen off’ following a multi million euro championship rights deal which will swell GAA coffers.

The three year agreement which includes television, radio, internet will guarantee free-to-air coverage up to and including 2010. However TV3 have broken the RTÉ monopoly on the provincial and All-Ireland Championships when securing a games package last year.

Croke Park bosses have often expressed displeasure at the critical comments made by RTÉ analysts but Montrose chiefs last night stressed that their editorial power will not be diminished by the new deal.

RTÉ Director General Cathal Goan said: “Absolutely not. RTÉ has a very proud record of offering commentary and analysis on Gaelic games. Sometimes, understandably, people are upset by some of the comments made. But one of the tremendous things about the Gaelic Athletic Association is that the people who are in it are tremendously passionate about it. All of the people who have offered analysis for RTÉ are ex players who are still very committed to all manifestations of the games,” he told RTÉ Radio One.

But he vowed: “I have no intention of changing the line up.

“We change personnel routinely but there is no question that anyone would be seen off as a result of these discussions.”

However he admitted: “There are certainly robust exchanges about what is said and who said it. That is par for the course. That is the business we are in. But the evidence from the audiences at home whether listening on radio or watching on television is that they are happy with the service.”

GAA President Nickey Brennan revealed the Association has spoken to both broadcasters about ‘balanced and fair analysis.’

“We have spoken to both TV3 and RTÉ about the presentation of our games and the importance of balanced and fair analysis and they have taken that on board. They have been very fair in relation to that.

“They have been quite enthusiastic and will both bring their own different style of presentation and analysis to it which is very important as well.

“We have also agreed to ongoing meetings to ensure that both sides have been happy.

“While the GAA has rights in this area, all the TV partners equally have rights and it is important that we as an association ensure delivery of that.”

Mr Goan believes the competition from TV3 presents an ‘exciting challenge’ for RTÉ.

“A marker has been set down — there is no doubt about that with TV3’s entry into the free to air arena.

“What we will do, I more than hope, is show we are capable of meeting that challenge and improving our game as well.

“This is a changed world we live in. There was a time when RTÉ were the only ones offering coverage of Gaelic Games. We are not longer in that position and I think that offers a challenge to us. It is an exciting challenge, one we will take with relish and I hope we will be able to demonstrate that not just on television — though television is the focus of this as people perceive that is where the money will have to be spent because of the investment in outside broadcasts — but also significantly in radio in two languages across the island of Ireland in online and in mobile rights.

‘‘There is clearly a challenge on the television side with the number of games granted to TV3 and it is one we will take with relish.”