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RTÉ has faced backlash online over plans to broadcast Claire Byrne’s show live from outside Mater Hospital in Dublin tonight.
ianna Fáil TD and Oireachtas Media Committee Chair Niamh Smyth have urged RTÉ to reconsider the plan.
She claimed that it is “not appropriate and against all public health advice to stay home” as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.
Labor TDs Ged Nash and Duncan Smith also criticized the planned broadcast.
Mr. Nash stated, “This is wrong” and Mr. Smith said, “This shouldn’t happen.”
Ms. Byrne said today that the broadcast is carried out with the “full cooperation” of Mater Hospital.
He told listeners of his radio show that the special program will “stand out and give us all an idea of what this latest Covid crisis on the ground really means.”
Ms Byrne added: “We are going to hear from a variety of frontline workers as part of the program all about their work and what they are doing and why we should all follow public health guidelines.”
RTÉ received a barrage of negative responses when Claire Byrne Live’s Twitter account announced the plans last night.
The post read: “Tomorrow we will broadcast live from outside the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
“As the crisis worsens, Claire will listen to doctors, nurses, porters and other heroes on the Covid front.”
He also asked: “Have you recently been to the Mater with Covid or have you had a relative there?” and searched for direct messages or responses.
Some responding Twitter users claimed the planned broadcast was “totally unnecessary,” a “bad idea,” and “deaf,” while some said the broadcaster should stay away from a busy hospital dealing with the pandemic. There were arguments that front-line staff would not have time to participate, but there were also suggestions that the interviews could be conducted via video calls.
Others defended RTÉ, arguing that the plan would not affect the hospital’s work and that it is important to share the stories of front-line staff dealing with the increase in Covid-19 cases. One argued that transmission would help thousands of people “know” about the need to prevent the spread of the virus.
A spokesperson for RTÉ said: “The Claire Byrne live broadcast has been organized with the full cooperation of Mater Hospital.
“The goal of the program is to highlight the pressure hospitals are under right now, with first-hand accounts from frontline workers putting a renewed focus on the importance of following public health guidelines.
“It will give viewers an insight into the challenges hospital staff face in this current wave of the pandemic.
“The live broadcast will take place in an outdoor environment with strict Covid security protocols observed by everyone on the site.”
Online editors
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