Written by Afri Advertisement (again) refused by RTE
Afri expressed dismay today after RTE refused to broadcast an advertisement
submitted by them on the grounds that it ‘references persons involved with
the Rossport/Shell campaign’ The 20 second advertisement, is promoting an
Afri gig entitled ‘That’s Gas…’
The gig will consist of a night of words and music in the Sugar Club, Lr.
Leeson Street, Dublin. On Thursday 6th August and will feature Paula Meehan,
Dermot Bolger, Jinx Lennon, members of Kila, Donal O’Kelly, Sorcha Fox, Pom
Boyd, Gina Moxley as well as Vincent McGrath and Pat O’Donnell of Rossport
Afri described the decision by RTE as a blatant form of censorship and
questioned the independence of the station and the nature of its relationship
with big business, especially the multinational Oil Company, Shell. Would an
advertisement paid for by Shell and referring to Shell’s environmental record
for example, be considered to ‘reference people involved in Shell’? And
would RTE refuse to broadcast it?
This is another worrying insight into how our national broadcaster works and
how large Corporations can use their power to silence voices raised on behalf
of justice and human rights.
Further Information Joe Murray 086 3946893
Proposed wording for RTE ad:
THAT¹S GAS!
A night of words and music
8pm Thursday 6th August,
Sugar Club, Lr. Leeson Street, Dublin.
Paula Meehan
Dermot Bolger & Sons
Jinx Lennon
Members of Kila
Donal O’Kelly and Sorcha Fox
Pom Boyd
Gina Moxley
Vincent McGrath and Fisherman Pat O¹Donnell of Rossport
Tkts €20 Tel 01 8827563.
