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A ROW has broken out between TV3 and RTE over their decision to commission a new comedy series from comedian Mario Rosenstock.
In November RTE2 will air six episodes of the new 'Mario Rosenstock Show', which will feature the mimic impersonating a range of politicians and public figures.
However, TV3 say the origins of the series, which is costing RTE between €270,000 and €360,000, are skits Rosenstock performed on Vincent Browne's TV3 ' Tonight Show'.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Rosenstock said: "There is an element of truth in that. RTE loved the Vincent Browne/TV3 thing, and along with my live show, asked me could we transfer it to RTE, and I said yes."
However, TV3 have said that while they acknowledged Rosenstock's talent and wished him well, they described as "utterly irresponsible" RTE's decision to spend between €270,000 and €360,000 commissioning the series for RTE2, when the station ran up losses of €17.59m in 2011.
"How is TV3 supposed to compete against a state company when they make unlimited losses. It's so utterly irresponsible," a TV3 spokeswoman told the Irish Independent.
An RTE spokeswoman defended the station, saying: "Producing distinctive Irish comedy . . . is part of our remit as Ireland's public service broadcaster and one which we are committed to fulfilling."
Rosenstock's send-ups have for years entertained listeners to the 'Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show' on Today FM.
The former 'Glenroe' actor claims he initially offered the new series to TV3.
"I had a great time working with Vincent Browne and TV3 was my first port of call with this, but TV3 simply don't have the budget for this kind of project. What I want to do now is bring it to another level."
Irish Independent
