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Hume fans ‘disappointed’ at delay
15.10.10
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
RTE received a large number of complaints from
viewers in the North West following a decision to
defer a programme on Nobel Laureate John Hume as
part of the 'Ireland’s Greatest' series on Monday
night.
The one-hour television special on the former SDLP
leader, who lives in Moville, didn’t air until
10.40pm on RTE 1 despite the fact it was advertised
at the earlier time of 9.35pm.
The documentary on Hume, one of five people in the
running for Ireland’s greatest ever person, was the
only one to be shown outside of primetime hours and
the move has angered many of his supporters. |
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Click here to watch the RTE Ireland's Greatest
programme |
Speaking to the
Inishowen Independent this week, John’s niece Seana
Hume said she was disappointed.
“I know a lot of people who just went to bed on
Monday night because when they turned on the TV The
Frontline was on. I sent a formal complaint to RTE
on Tuesday morning as a result. It was a fantastic
programme but it was unfortunate that it had to be
deferred to such a late hour,” she said.
Another niece of Hume’s, Brenda Stephenson said
there was a sense of aggrievance among locals.
“Many people are quite annoyed because it was billed
and previewed in all the papers and magazines to
start at 9.35pm yet it didn’t begin until more than
an hour after that. It was an excellent piece of
footage but it’s annoying that RTE, with no prior
warning, decided to move it,” she said.
Confirming that they had received 48 complaints so
far this week, RTE said it took the decision to
delay the documentary on Hume to accommodate a
‘Frontline special on key economic issues’. The SDLP
office in Belfast said it had received more than
thirty complaints in relation to the issue.
Monday night’s programme, presented by former RTE
northern correspondent Miriam O’Callaghan, described
Hume as a man of vision.
“John Hume not only helped bring an end to the
Troubles in the North, he fundamentally changed
attitudes on the 800 years of bitterness and strife
that have blighted this island. Because of him,
every single person on the entire island of Ireland
lives in a better place. His hero, Martin Luther
King, said ‘We Shall Overcome’. . . John Hume DID
overcome,” Callaghan said.
When contacted yesterday an RTE spokesperson said:
“Ireland’s Greatest was broadcast an hour later than
scheduled. This was indicated to the audience in an
announcement before the Nine O’Clock News. We regret
if any fans of the series missed the programme due
to the time change. The programme will be repeated
as billed at 11.55pm on RTÉ One on Sunday, October
17.”
One of the favourites to win the prestigious title,
Hume’s odds have drifted out to 4-1 behind 1-4 clear
favourite Michael Collins. Others in the running are
U2 frontman Bono, former President Mary Robinson and
socialist James Connolly. |
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