Rabbitte: Offensive material move would turn broadcasting into the ‘Jerry Springer Show’
The communications minister Pat Rabbitte has ruled out any prospect of allowing broadcasters to air 'offensive' material.
Rabbitte noted he will block plans from independent TDs to give broadcasters more freedom to air material that audiences might find offensive.
The Dáíl has been debating proposals from independent TD Stephen Donnelly to abolish the current rule which bans broadcasters from airing any offensive material altogether.
But Minister Rabbitte added the move is too extreme and he'll be blocking it when it comes to a vote next week.
“I am not happy to be associated with any move that would seek to debase broadcasting standards in this country to what we see for example in the United States.
“I don’t want to turn the national broadcaster, or any other broadcaster, into a version of the ‘Jerry Springer Show’,” said Rabbitte.
