RTE star Ryan Tubridy has backed the station after Dublin Pride ended their partnership amid a row about on-air transgender talks.
Dublin Pride announced the termination on Tuesday because it was “angered and disappointed” by discussions about the transgender community on the Liveline radio show.
RTE responded yesterday: “Public discussion — sometimes uncomfortable, difficult, and contentious — is central to RTE’s prescribed purpose.
Read more: RTE star Ryan Tubridy and 'dear friend' Adam King have a 'real hug'
“RTE is acutely aware that discussions on issues such as gender and identity are deeply personal to many. It is important we listen to them.”
Tubridy also yesterday revealed disappointment at that decision — but high-profile figures and rights groups have welcomed the split.
Ryan, 49, said: “I’m disappointed that the Pride organisation has cut its ties from RTE for the moment.” He said on his RTE radio show yesterday: “I hope it’s a temporary decision.
“I don’t think I can think of an organisation more committed to what they do than RTE.
“That’s the truth. Down through the years that would be my observation, few organisations left wanting in their support, broadly speaking, for the LGBTQ+ community.”
He added: “Liveline is a programme that indulges in robust debate and I think the world needs robust debate and sometimes in the course of robust debate you mightn’t like what you hear.”
But Panti Bliss, whose real name is Rory O’Neill, hit back, tweeting: “If you want to know about trans people, talk to trans people.”
The Anti-Conversion Therapy Coalition (ACTC) and Dublin Lesbian Line also welcomed the end of Dublin Pride’s partnership.
RTE bosses were last night requested to appear before the Oireachtas Media and Culture Committee in the coming weeks following the controversy.
Radio 1 chief Peter Woods yesterday said he stood over the episodes, adding: “I don’t think we would do anything differently.” But he said he was sorry to people who were hurt or offended.
An RTE spokesperson said: “We hope that we will once again get the opportunity to continue our
partnership.”
Read more: Holly Johnson tells Ray D'Arcy to 'stop acting the b****cks' over HIV question
Read more: RTE weather presenter Joanna Donnelly warns of 'extreme uncertainty' as cold blast meets heatwave
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
