RTÉ must address sexist and demeaning comments made by 2FM presenters – Cannon

The national broadcaster must address the sexist and insulting comments made by two of their presenters in a video promoting a new RTÉ radio programme, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Ciaran Cannon said, “The use of language that is deeply derogatory and demeaning of women cannot be tolerated by our national broadcaster. Our licence fee cannot be used to fund an undermining of our ambition to make Ireland a more equal and safer place for women.

“Negative attitudes towards women are wired into our brains early in life, and a station that targets young people should be aware of this and act accordingly. The ‘2 Johnnies’ have a huge following across the country, with a particularly significant influence on young men.

“Their comments directed at women were demeaning and lacking in basic respect. They objectified women’s bodies, with absolutely no regard as to their personhood.”

Deputy Cannon, member of the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, said, “The video was used to promote their new drivetime RTÉ show, and while it has been deleted, there has been no acknowledgement of fault or reason given for its removal.

“At a time when we are having a national conversation about toxic masculinity and standing up for women and girls, often on RTÉ programmes, this raises many questions. Was the video compliant with the principles of RTÉ 2FM? What is the station’s opinion on the language used by the men?

“We need answers and reassurance that this kind of material will not be broadcast or endorsed.

“When we talk about calling out toxic masculinity, we must consider it in every context. Men in particular must stand up and call it out, even if doing so proves unpopular,” concluded Deputy Cannon.