Initially RTÉ refused to delete the segment from the online version of the programme, but it will now do so as a result of the review by the standards board.
The clip, which was part of a Waterford Whispers News sketch, showed “God” being led away by gardaí for “sexual harassment” offenses.
The RTÉ Editorial Standards Board said the sketch caused “undue offence” and did not give “due respect” for religious beliefs.
The Board also found the sketch did not comply with the provision in the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines regarding sensitivity to people’s religious beliefs.
After consideration of the RTÉ Editorial Standards Board s findings, RTÉ has made the following decisions:
The clip, which was part of a Waterford Whispers News sketch, showed “God” being led away by gardaí for “sexual harassment” offenses.
The RTÉ Editorial Standards Board said the sketch caused “undue offence” and did not give “due respect” for religious beliefs.
The Board also found the sketch did not comply with the provision in the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines regarding sensitivity to people’s religious beliefs.
After consideration of the RTÉ Editorial Standards Board s findings, RTÉ has made the following decisions:
RTÉ will make a voluntary disclosure of non-compliance to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and engage with the authority in this process;
Former RTÃ News presenter Aengus Mac Grianna apologises for controversial sketch about God
RTÃ have received thousands of complaints over the mock news report
Aengus Mac Grianna has apologised for taking part in a controversial mock news report that aired on RTÃ on New Year’s Eve.
During the programme, a satirical âWaterford Whispers Newsâ report described God as âthe latest figure to be implicated in ongoing sexual harassment scandalsâ.
The broadcaster has since confirmed they have received thousands of complaints over the mock news report, with former news anchor Aengus issuing a personal apology via Twitter on Tuesday.
The 56-year-old wrote: “I wish to apologise concerning my participation in the Waterford Whispers News item on the NYE show on RTE 1 on New Year’s Eve.”
Former RTÉ newsreader deeply sorry for any offence caused by New Year s Eve sketch Former RTÉ newsreader Aengus Mac Grianna has apologised for his participation in a New Year s Eve sketch which prompted a barage of complaints. Picture by RTE 06 January, 2021 01:00
A FORMER RTÉ newsreader has apologised for his participation in a New Year s Eve sketch which prompted a barage of complaints.
Aengus Mac Grianna, who retired in 2018, said he was deeply sorry for any offence caused by the Waterford Whispers sketch, which was broadcast on RTÉ One.
The sketch, which was presented by Mr Mac Grianna, received thousands of complaints as well as requests for it to be removed from the RTÉ Player.