Controversial US broadcaster to address students
One of most controversial and powerful broadcasters in the US will tonight air his contentious views at Trinity College Dublin.
Bill O'Reilly has gained a hugely-successful reputation as cable television’s leading outspoken conservative hard-man.
Two million viewers tune in to hear his bombastic commentary on his nightly show airing on Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News network, although his provocative in-your-face style on The O’Reilly Factor has also earned him no shortage of detractors and critics.
Daire Hickey, president of the Trinity’s Philosophical Society, said the confrontational commentator would be an interesting guest at their latest debate.
“His views aren’t typical in Ireland and often go unheard. He’s the voice of the opposite side of the spectrum. The University Philosophical Society is glad to host such a guest,” he said.
O'Reilly has had high-profile verbal spats with actor George Clooney in recent years over fund-raising for victims of the 9/11 attacks in the US.
The commentator claimed several of Clooney’s films flopped at the box office because of his openly liberal political views.
The author of four best-selling books, he has also been the subject of writers claiming to uncover errors and inconsistencies on his popular show.
