High Noon with George Hook.

constitutionus · 12-09-2017 08:07PM

if newstalks staff succeed in removing hook then the station deserves to lose the 20 thousand extra listeners he brought to that slot.

TBH the stations quickly becoming listenable to . ive long maintained modern media is in crisis this nonsense is just a symptom of it.

Ash.J.Williams · 12-09-2017 08:07PM

Lady Chatterton wrote: »

Unfortunately, after today, I'm expecting George to announce his resignation before the week is out.

I'd say he is a broken man after hearing that 20 of his colleagues want him to leave. That level of rejection must be awfully painful. I'm beginning to think that yesterdays' apology has backfired spectacularly on him, he would have been better off if he had clarified his remarks, making it 100% clear that rape is never the victims' fault and that his original intention was merely to encourage people to look out for themselves and their friends on a night out. I would say 85% of what he said was just old fashioned common sense, the stuff that lots of parents would say to their daughters and sons most weekends before they head into town.

I'm deeply saddened at the level of bullying and abuse the man is being subjected to, how is this acceptable? Surely, we have reached a point where the bullying and the hatred being expressed is far worse than his clumsy comments?

Going back the petition to remove George, I have a feeling that there are quite a few Newstalk presenters who feel very resentful towards George Hook, Ivan Yates and Pat Kenny because of the deals they've managed to negotiate for themselves...and today has a lot to do with opportunism.

If you look back over the last few years, Ivan has left and returned to the station and other presenters have been moved out of their positions to accommodate him. George has also been facilitated, Moncrieff's programme has been shortened twice and Healy was shafted from Lunchtime to make way for High Noon.

If George is sacked or made resign, it means that instantly a prime time slot becomes available for someone else - Chris, Sarah, Shane??... Moncrieff's programme with probably be extended and Jonathan Healy will more than likely come back to provide holiday cover. So many presenters stand to gain something if George leaves. I just wish he had retired last year and gone out on a high, The Right Hook was a cracking show, it's sad how things have turned out, I wish him well.

I'm glad my father doesn't have a radio show

DeanAustin · 12-09-2017 08:11PM

Sleeper12 wrote: »

I don't really get this at all.

Hooks side is that he made a mistake and said something that was wrong. I don't think that's your position at all.

Also to posters and people on Twitter, the more you say George was forced to apologise and doesn't mean it the more likely that he will be fired.
Management are monitoring social media to see how the apology is going down with the public. If it's not being believed by the public then they will have to take action.

In my opinion, Hook was talking about personal responsibility. I don't believe he was intending to partially blame victims even if that's how what he said reads and sounds.

If you accept that, and I can see why some won't, then his position was perfectly reasonable if poorly articulated. Society is becoming less and less responsible for their own actions and everything is someone else's fault. That's a general point by the way rather than applicable to rape.

In relation to rape, of course no victim deserves any blame for their rape but that doesn't mean that they have no responsibility to try and keep themselves reasonably safe. Like it or not, getting legless drunk (to the point that you pass out) and going home with a random stranger strongly increases your chances of being raped.

The witch hunt for Hook has been disgusting and a sign of a society who cannot have a reasonable discussion on subjects like this.

Sleeper12 · 12-09-2017 08:18PM

jooksavage wrote:

Dude, it's not believed by his superfans on here who, by and large, are taking the stance of "he said nothing wrong to begin with" and "he doesn't mean the apology - he's just has to say it to keep his job"

jooksavage wrote:

That's pretty much the tone of his support on Twitter too. His most rabid advocates are making him look as bad as his critics.

That's my point.

Someone saying that he did not victim shame when he has said he did. Then saying that he's lying, he did not blame & he doesn't mean the apology is made helping him at all. If the apology does not work they will force him to resign.
What is wrong with saying that he made a mistake.

I listen to the show most days. I don't hate George but there are days when you could hate what he's saying. I'd genuinely hate to see him resign in shame.

Sleeper12 · 12-09-2017 08:28PM

DeanAustin wrote:

In my opinion, Hook was talking about personal responsibility. I don't believe he was intending to partially blame victims even if that's how what he said reads and sounds.

DeanAustin wrote:

If you accept that, and I can see why some won't, then his position was perfectly reasonable if poorly articulated. Society is becoming less and less responsible for their own actions and everything is someone else's fault. That's a general point by the way rather than applicable to rape.

I totally agree with you. The problem is that so many people are denying he made he made a mistake with the wording, saying that he was totally right even though he acknowledged that he made a mistake. I don't believe he deliberately said it but lots of free speech people saying that he did say it deliberately & I don't think they are helping him at all.
I think they are looking for a martyr for their cause tbh

12-09-2017 08:32PM

Sleeper12 wrote: »

I totally agree with you. The problem is that so many people are denying he made he made a mistake with the wording, saying that he was totally right even though he acknowledged that he made a mistake. I don't believe he deliberately said it but lots of free speech people saying that he did say it deliberately & I don't think they are helping him at all.
I think they are looking for a martyr for their cause tbh

People are far too quick to get on the outrage train without asking the simple question "would you clarify that please?"

Calhoun · 12-09-2017 08:38PM

Sleeper12 wrote: »

I totally agree with you. The problem is that so many people are denying he made he made a mistake with the wording, saying that he was totally right even though he acknowledged that he made a mistake. I don't believe he deliberately said it but lots of free speech people saying that he did say it deliberately & I don't think they are helping him at all.
I think they are looking for a martyr for their cause tbh

No one's looking for a martyr for any cause just sick of the over reaction from the radical left.

What he said was wrong it is damaging to men and women of Ireland but he has come out and said he was wrong.

Some of the crap coming out now is OTT and blatand publicity grabbing, like your one plugging her gig .before walking off another program.

Sleeper12 · 12-09-2017 08:42PM

Calhoun wrote:

Some of the crap coming out now is OTT and blatand publicity grabbing, like your one plugging her gig .before walking off another program.

It was a charity gig. She was in the studio on behalf of the charity

Ash.J.Williams · 12-09-2017 08:42PM

It's an interesting topic all the same. Rapists /sex offenders are not normal people. I don't think it's helpful saying people have the right to get sh1t faced and sleep with whoever without consequences.... If you've lost your senses then you are vulnerable. If you spot someone who seems to be not in control of their senses then you should keep an eye on them and who is watching them. If somebody is trying to score somebody who's vulnerable you should inform them politely at first that they should try their luck elsewhere...

Ol' Donie · 12-09-2017 08:44PM

Deedsie wrote: »

It was a stupid thing to say and a horrible thing to think or believe.

Ive been a fan of George for a good few years but as a cyclist ill not be upset if he gets **** canned. Sick of him demonising cyclists every week. I obey every rule of the road and stop at every light, never cycle on a footpath.

So it will be nice to no longer have to hear him nonsensically roar about "bloody cyclists"

Enjoy your retirement George. Careful on the roads chief

Given the fact that there was a clear editorial decision to let George off on his ill informed ramblings as the entire basis for the show, it's no surprise something like this happened. I thought it would have happened months ago.

Ultimately the blame for this, such as it is, sits at the feet of Newstalk. George was just doing what he's paid (and indeed encouraged) to do.

redlead · 12-09-2017 08:48PM

There's some load of weasels working at newstalk. Effectively asking for a colleague to be sacked just because he said something that you disagree with.

There's a serious issue in Irish media now whereby everyone is expected to have the same social view and if you disagree with that then you should be silenced.

Hopefully ratings plummet if he's replaced by a Chris Donoghue type (chief weasel).

pauliebdub · 12-09-2017 08:49PM

Lady Chatterton wrote: »

I'd say he is a broken man after hearing that 20 of his colleagues want him to leave.

I doubt it, but I suspect that he's not well liked within the station, I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion.

Ash.J.Williams · 12-09-2017 08:54PM

pauliebdub wrote: »

I doubt it, but I suspect that he's not well liked within the station, I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion.

It was mentioned way back in this thread that hook was begged not to retire a while back... That would surely make him a marked man by jealous colleagues

Lickin2me · 12-09-2017 08:54PM

Nobody allowed say anything anymore without been examined. The whole episode blown out proportion. Hook i find funny and talks a lot sense at times. But these days all the pc gob****es nothing else to do but rant and moan on social media. For the record im allergic to muslims make me sick.

Faugheen · 12-09-2017 08:55PM

redlead wrote: »

There's some load of weasels working at newstalk. Effectively asking for a colleague to be sacked just because he said something that you disagree with.

There's a serious issue in Irish media now whereby everyone is expected to have the same social view and if you disagree with that then you should be silenced.

Hopefully ratings plummet if he's replaced by a Chris Donoghue type (chief weasel).

He'll be replaced by Sarah McInerney if anyone. Get Hook out, bring a woman in. Two birds, one stone as far as they're concerned.

constitutionus · 12-09-2017 09:11PM

redlead wrote: »

There's some load of weasels working at newstalk. Effectively asking for a colleague to be sacked just because he said something that you disagree with.

There's a serious issue in Irish media now whereby everyone is expected to have the same social view and if you disagree with that then you should be silenced.

Hopefully ratings plummet if he's replaced by a Chris Donoghue type (chief weasel).

the more i think about the 20 letter signatories the more i cant help thinking "who the fuk do they think they are?"

its none of their damn business what he says on his show. his fuk ups are between him and management, not a bunch of jumped up prima donnas with wounded sensitivities .

that sort of thing is generally reserved for cases of gross misconduct amongst staff. where people who genuinely feel powerless feel the need to group together in order to approach managment. sexual assault , violence, bullying and the like

not bleeding witchunts by PC borg units upset by a bloody broadcast expressing an opinion in a half arsed fashion.

its probably the most sinister aspect of this affair to come to light so far.

PeterTheNinth · 12-09-2017 09:13PM

Maximiliano Weak Guava wrote: »

Would Jonathan Healy not be favourite to get the slot at least in the short term?

I'd say he was front row centre trying to sneak his old job back. But the guy seems completely oblivious to how hated he is. He's set up a communication company recently..... The guy should be ATTENDING a communications company not setting one up.

Jobs OXO · 12-09-2017 09:16PM

Faugheen wrote: »

He'll be replaced by Sarah McInerney if anyone. Get Hook out, bring a woman in. Two birds, one stone as far as they're concerned.

She was hopelessly out of her depth when she was on Drive and ended up being relegated to a slot with 1,000 listeners.

The Specialist · 12-09-2017 09:17PM

The reaction to his remarks is nothing short of shameful, generation snowflake in full swing. They are the loudest for equal rights for everybody, but say something that doesn't fit their agenda, or woe betide you "trigger" them , and you are suddenly the devil incarnate. It's ****ing patethic.

Pinkman · 12-09-2017 09:18PM

Newstalk management made an enormous mistake by not suspending Hook. By letting him swan back on the air yesterday they just inflamed the situation and infuriated people further. As a result of this ineptitude they have no choice but to sack him. I expect his resignation tomorrow. I wonder will he do one more show and read it out at the end? The usual faked emotion he does with his voice might actually be real this time. In a way it'll be a shame to see him go. Always entertaining and unique on Irish radio.

Royal Legend · 12-09-2017 09:20PM

constitutionus wrote: »

the more i think about the 20 letter signatories the more i cant help thinking "who the fuk do they think they are?"

its none of their damn business what he says on his show. his fuk ups are between him and management, not a bunch of jumped up prima donnas with wounded sensitivities .

that sort of thing is generally reserved for cases of gross misconduct amongst staff. where people who genuinely feel powerless feel the need to group together in order to approach managment. sexual assault , violence, bullying and the like

not bleeding witchunts by PC borg units upset by a bloody broadcast expressing an opinion in a half arsed fashion.

its probably the most sinister aspect of this affair to come to light so far.

The 20 should have the balls to publicly come out and state who they are

Political correctness has gone mad in this country, a 70 year old man is porbably going to get the sack over a comment that he has apologised for

what i would like to know is how is it another presenter on the same station has for the last two days wished someone dead and yet there is nothing about it? whats more Hook was commenting on something that happened outside of Ireland whereas this other person was hoping someone here in Ireland would be shot, in fact i am not sure if it was the same person over the two days or to different people. So Newstalk kick people for having an opinion, but inciting someone to be shot is ok. Go figure.

P.S. the same person started commenting on the Garda Commisioner earlier in the week and also on who should and should not be the next GC, yet this person has been involved in the McCabe scandal and not in a good way, how the **** is he not booted out of newstalk??????

PeterTheNinth · 12-09-2017 09:25PM

There's a complete hyporcisy behind all of their on air staff. I dont for one second believe that Dil would live beside a halting site, or that Chris Donoghue (who always gives out about rent) really believes in social housing. Oh and I actually did an inventory of the PCs when I was in Newstalk over ten years ago and I found a copy of One Night In Paris on the hard drive of one of their presenters, which is sort of contradictory to his on air personality as he is so pious and self righteous you would think that it wouldn't be possible for him to masturbate.

Hypocrites the lot of them.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo · 12-09-2017 09:28PM

It feels like nothing short of bullying at this stage. The man is in his mid seventies. He made a mistake. He has apologised for his mistake. Time to move on from it.

Talking on air for hours week in week out on an opinion show you are bound to say something wrong from time to time. Who hasn't made a mistake. The important thing is to learn from mistakes.

The way he is being ganged up on now by so many people is particularly nasty and ugly. I don't like it at all at all.

Royal Legend · 12-09-2017 09:29PM

Deedsie wrote: »

It was a stupid thing to say and a horrible thing to think or believe.

Ive been a fan of George for a good few years but as a cyclist ill not be upset if he gets **** canned. Sick of him demonising cyclists every week. I obey every rule of the road and stop at every light, never cycle on a footpath.

So it will be nice to no longer have to hear him nonsensically roar about "bloody cyclists"

Enjoy your retirement George. Careful on the roads chief

And do you no see other cyclists acting like dickheads? He is not aiming it at you, but at the clowns who do not obey rules of the road. get over yourself

Basal · 12-09-2017 09:31PM

This country is gone crazy. Far right Christian Presenters on American talk stations say things every day like homosexuals should be put to death and no-one bats an eyelid

Royal Legend · 12-09-2017 09:35PM

Basal wrote: »

This country is gone crazy. Far right Christian Presenters on American talk stations say things every day like homosexuals should be put to death and no-one bats an eyelid

There is one on newstalk saying much the same about a particular person or persons for the last two mornings, no outrage about that though :mad:

The Specialist · 12-09-2017 09:38PM

Basal wrote: »

This country is gone crazy. Far right Christian Presenters on American talk stations say things every day like homosexuals should be put to death and no-one bats an eyelid

It's not an issue exclusive to Ireland, it's affecting the whole world. We have a generation of soft minded ****ing idiots coming up.

LordSutch · 12-09-2017 09:41PM

Pinkman wrote: »

I expect his resignation tomorrow. I wonder will he do one more show and read it out at the end? The usual faked emotion he does with his voice might actually be real this time. In a way it'll be a shame to see him go. Always entertaining and unique on Irish radio.

That's for sure.

Hook had a whole lifetime of experiences to call upon in his ramblings, many of which were not confined to this little island, hence he brought in something that nobody else has on the airwaves here. He certainly has an amazing memory of old films, actors & actresses, politicians from the 40s, 50s, 60s, a great knowledge about many things from many spheres, from WWI to WWII, from Greta garbo to Marilyn Monroe, from Kennedy to Churchill, from Cuba & Casto, to the Moon landings, to anything & everything he had an opinion on ...

Not always PC, but at least he was outspoken & entertaining.

He'll be missed.

Sleeper12 · 12-09-2017 09:47PM

Basal wrote:

This country is gone crazy. Far right Christian Presenters on American talk stations say things every day like homosexuals should be put to death and no-one bats an eyelid

You aspire to that?
I'm all for free speech but not hate speech

The Specialist · 12-09-2017 09:50PM

Sleeper12 wrote: »

You aspire to that?
I'm all for free speech but not hate speech

Free speech is free speech, whether you find the content inspiring or insipid. There are no if's or buts - free speech can't exist with limitations of moral censorship.

High Noon with George Hook.

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