Irish broadcast executives step down over inaccurate charge against priest
April 03, 2012
Two leading news executives in Ireland’s RTE television network has stepped down, and a popular investigative program has been cancelled, as the result of an investigation into a libelous charge against a Catholic priest.
RTE had already made a public apology to Father Kevin Reynolds, and paid a libel settlement, for a broadcast that claimed he had sexually assaulted a young boy while serving as a missionary in Kenya. The charge, which was aired during a “Prime Time Investigates” program, was later acknowledged as unfounded.
RTE has announced that “Prime Time Investigates,” which had been suspended during an inquiry into the May broadcast, will not return to the broadcasting lineup. The managing director of RTE’s news operation, Ed Mulhall, has retired. The network’s current-affairs editor, Ken O’Shea, has resigned.
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Further information:
- RTE's news head retires; current affairs editor resigns (RTE)
- RTE axes Prime Time following watchdog report (Irish Independent)
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Posted by: AnnH -
Apr. 03, 2012 6:53 PM ET USA
Just a correction. The claim was that he had raped a young girl (not "sexually assaulted a young boy), and had fathered a child by her. RTE broadcast the accusation despite his willingness to undergo a paternity test, which of course would not have helped if the charge had been one of assaulting a boy.
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Posted by: normnuke -
Apr. 03, 2012 4:22 PM ET USA
Excellent! Bring that broom and that will to these shores, please.
