Complaints made by phone to avoid paper trail
THE Government has become cautious about leaving a paper trail when making complaints to RTE.
Complaints to the State broadcaster are now being made by telephone or at meetings, as politicians and advisers become acutely aware that anything they write can be obtained under Freedom of Information.
A spokesman for Brian Cowen confirmed he made the complaint to RTE about its story featuring nude portraits of the Taoiseach hanging in two galleries.
He said the report was "totally uncalled for and went beyond the news values of RTE". On Tuesday night, RTE broadcast an apology. That complaint followed an apology by RTE for broadcasting a 'Nob Nation' sketch on 2FM earlier this month portraying Health Minister Mary Harney as a chocoholic struggling with Lent.
Government spokespeople have also made statements to RTE and the media that they should refrain from speculating on the nationalising of banks. Again, such advice was communicated by phone or at meetings.
- ine Kerr
