High Noon with George Hook.

SAMTALK · 15-09-2017 02:42PM

Mountainsandh wrote: »

The whole point of listening to NT instead of RTE for me is to listen to uncensored opinions, or at least, more unbiased than t'other one, more opinionated, regardless of whether that hurts my feelings or not on occasion. And many's the time I was infuriated or vexed by comments I heard on NT, many's the time I thought some NT content was "unhelpful" on topics that I'm familiar with.
So what if there are the few mishaps in language or judgement ? At least it makes you think, it might spark good debate and discussion.

Their reaction in this situation is simply turning me off the radio station. What's the point, if I'm going to end up with the same ultra PC, non-confrontational drivel as Rte ?
I don't really want to listen to High Noon presented by others to be honest, meh. Controversy is good, even when it's annoying, or vexing, or when apologies are needed afterwards. Then you move on. You don't just wipe off the controversial element.

edit : I'm female btw.

Paul Williams sails very close to the wind with some of his comments but funnily enough he's still there.

I agree with you , now we will just have the same ****e that we have on RTE and we'll all agree and get on swimmingly

DeadHand · 15-09-2017 02:43PM

jobbridge4life wrote: »

He made comments that disturbed his colleagues and imperilled the working environment.

Opinion is not a magic word that one can attach to the vilest, most irresponsible nonsense you can drag up out the depths of your bowels to incoulate you from criticism, or that means what you've sad can't be flatly wrong and called out as such.

Good God Girl Get a Grip.

Deeply ironic that you would hysterically claim that Hook "imperilled the working environment" and his comments were "the vilest, most irresponsible nonsense from the depths of his bowels" and then proceed to tell everyone else to get a grip.

retro:electro · 15-09-2017 02:58PM

All this will do is sweep much needed discussion under the carpet. Want to talk about rape? Nope. We don't do that here. That's hush hush. Sweep it under the carpet over right over there thank you.

What live broadcaster is going to want to risk talking about something so delicate- without the fear of misspeaking and being threatened with a sanction? It'll be a deserted topic. Maybe Dil can talk about it to her three listeners.

It reminds me of the time Rory O Neill accused some members of the Irish media of homophobia and Iona threatened to sue. Those comments completely changed the landscape of RTE. They are now afraid for their lives they'll ever be seen endorsing comments like Rory's and have their balls firmly tucked in since. Funny enough, a lot of Irish media, and social media alike came out in support of Rory and his right to air his opinion, saying he was "censored".
Not saying they weren't right to do so- I'm
merely pointing out the hypocrisy in supporting censorship only when it suits.

Slieve Gullion · 15-09-2017 03:00PM

Big fuss over nothing. The amount of fannies on the go slabbering all over the media about him is a poor show.

Is all the furore about George really necessary? I don't think so. Live and let live.

DickSwiveller · 15-09-2017 03:03PM

Slieve Gullion wrote: »

Big fuss over nothing. The amount of fannies on the go slabbering all over the media about him is a poor show.

On the other hand I never liked this Hook fool since the first grunt he ever made as an rte rugby pundit 20 or so years ago. He should have never been allowed breath his inner mind workings onto the conscience of the people of Ireland back then. He pigged himself out some sort of celebrity status, apparently well got in orange community. Since Rte rugby punditry he's been premoted to the national airwaves . Little character little depth, a money grabbing lunatic who the public should have never had to ever endure in the first place. Who the **** is it who deems these people sane and suitable for TV and radio?

IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME. I Repeat. IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME.

Slieve Gullion · 15-09-2017 03:11PM

DickSwiveller wrote: »

IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME. I Repeat. IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME.

These matters in the big picture mean nothing.

Tayschren · 15-09-2017 03:13PM

Slieve Gullion wrote: »

I never do.

So no different than the vast majority of people calling for his head, haven't even listened to the piece that started this furor as well Id bet.

But but but but

martingriff · 15-09-2017 03:13PM

I am no fan of Ciara Kelly she is nausea opininated (more then George) up to the point if you do not agree with her you are the probem. But the bike she is getting from some here is wrong I do not think she ousted George and she came in to today's show I say on the day.

What I thought was going to happen was that George would say he was going on his "holidays" someone would fill in and then it would quietly come out he was retiring.

What I would like to happen to his 2 hours is that Moncrieffe would get 1 (I think he had it originally) and either Pat would get an extra hour or we have a hours news show. But please do not give it to Chris (must have really been something when Ivan said no to working with him on there last breakfast show) or Ciara though.

Has Ivan spoke about George by the way they appear to be friendly

ButtersSuki · 15-09-2017 03:16PM

SAMTALK wrote: »

"Taoiseach condemns George Hook remarks following his suspension from Newstalk" reads the headlines

So do we take it Leo didn't condemn his remarks before his suspension???
Took him long enough to wade in

He had to wait and see which side of the argument was being taken by the media before expressing an opinion.

Frankly, he shouldn't be commenting on matters as trivial (in relative terms) as these, but if Leo thinks there are votes in it for him I doubt there's anything he won't say. I actually thought he might be different when he first appeared on the scene; how wrong was I?

ballsymchugh · 15-09-2017 03:21PM

is Dil still not going to present her 'show'? she's only back from maternity leave.

Lt Dan · 15-09-2017 03:22PM

hotmail.com wrote: »

In terms of social issues (divorce, lgbt rights, contraception, equal rights for women, separation of church and state etc etc), the media does have a liberal bias on these matters. It reflects a changed Ireland and changed irish attitudes.

There are those like yourself who have not changed with the majority and are not open to changing their minds. George Hook reflected that attitude. So it's a pity he was stupid enough to go too far on this one.

Hook was one of the leading voices in the support for gay marriage. Long before Kenny or Obama said yes

Stop talking rubbish now.

Slieve Gullion · 15-09-2017 03:24PM

Tayschren wrote: »

So no different than the vast majority of people calling for his head, haven't even listened to the piece that started this furor as well Id bet.

But but but but

I've had a change of heart and think he should be forgiven. He's apologised so let it go now.

mikep · 15-09-2017 03:25PM

This is citizens information take on the constitutional position:
Freedom of expression
You have a right to freely express your convictions and opinions. However, the Constitution asserts that the State should try to make sure that the radio, the press and the cinema are not used to undermine public order or morality or the authority of the State. It also states that it is an offence to publish or utter blasphemous, seditious or indecent matter.
All the people who are responsible for Hook being taken off the air should consider this.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, going down the road of preventing people from expressing an opinion that doesn't fall foul of the constitution, is a dangerous road to go down..
Venezuela and Turkey come to mind...

Lt Dan · 15-09-2017 03:37PM

The_Captain wrote: »

I'll start listening to Newstalk more now that they're making the right choice.

Advertisers don't want to be associated with his odious opinions, Newstalk are right to suspend him since he costs them money.

All the bigots out there will cry about how it's an attack on free speech, even though it's purely a business decision.

Some day, in the not too distant future, you will enlighten yourself as to what a "bigot" actually is and , I tell you, it is not some empty term that you can use that you don't understand.

Then, you will find out quick enough that what your sensitive soul thought was bigotry was child's play to the deal thing

Lt Dan · 15-09-2017 03:49PM

It has happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM

Kamili · 15-09-2017 04:09PM

Lt Dan wrote: »

It has happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM

I find that frightening...

Grolschevik · 15-09-2017 04:20PM

Lt Dan wrote: »

It has happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcWu0tsiZM

What has? Someone has produced a fictional short film?

Calhoun · 15-09-2017 04:24PM

anna080 wrote: »

All this will do is sweep much needed discussion under the carpet. Want to talk about rape? Nope. We don't do that here. That's hush hush. Sweep it under the carpet over right over there thank you.

What live broadcaster is going to want to risk talking about something so delicate- without the fear of misspeaking and being threatened with a sanction? It'll be a deserted topic. Maybe Dil can talk about it to her three listeners.

It reminds me of the time Rory O Neill accused some members of the Irish media of homophobia and Iona threatened to sue. Those comments completely changed the landscape of RTE. They are now afraid for their lives they'll ever be seen endorsing comments like Rory's and have their balls firmly tucked in since. Funny enough, a lot of Irish media, and social media alike came out in support of Rory and his right to air his opinion, saying he was "censored".
Not saying they weren't right to do so- I'm
merely pointing out the hypocrisy in supporting censorship only when it suits.

If i could thank a post twice i would, the shame in this situation is that any really prospect of a mature discussion is gone. RTE and otherstations are going to be on their guard going forward.

I don't know if this was a win for the radical left/always offended or if it was an own goal. The best thing you can ever do is let unpopular opinions come to the surface because you can debunk them with fact and make the people look stupid. Not having that opportunity actually builds opposition against the ones that are seen to be shutting down the discussion.

The fact that one of our TD's made a member of the Iona institute seem credible and more connected with people on the ground in Ireland is a scary prospect.

Faugheen · 15-09-2017 04:27PM

PeterTheNinth wrote: »

Ciara Kelly got the result that she was looking for from this.. What a snake in the grass.

You need to cop yourself on and read her Twitter account.

You're far too quick to jump in and look for a target, which is no worse than some of the people that you disagree with when they went after Hook.

Kelly is one of the people saying he shouldn't be sacked.

mr_edge_to_you · 15-09-2017 04:30PM

ballsymchugh wrote: »

is Dil still not going to present her 'show'? she's only back from maternity leave.

I've happened to hear her show on a few occasions - picking up the Chinese takeaway on a Saturday night. It's absolutely awful stuff.

She took a stand on George's comments. Does she (and the Marconi Two-Oh) not realise that George is a significant contributor to the bills? Talk about biting off the hand that feeds you. I wouldn't think her show is a big revenue puller on a commercial station.

jobbridge4life · 15-09-2017 04:32PM

DeadHand wrote: »

Deeply ironic that you would hysterically claim that Hook "imperilled the working environment" and his comments were "the vilest, most irresponsible nonsense from the depths of his bowels" and then proceed to tell everyone else to get a grip.

There is not a jot of 'hysteria' in my comment, it is a factual statement, George Hook disturbed the working environment, he imperiled the ability of the organisation to function smoothly. His comments lead to 20 Newstalk staff out of 60 signing a letter to management, a third of the employees. It prompted a other presenter to refuse to present her programme. It lead to a walk out and protest during another presenters show. If that is not damaging the working environment I don't really know what would qualify.

You also misquoted me so, I did t actually refer to George in the quoted text. It was a general comment on the growing insistence by some hysterics that if you call something an opinion then no matter how atrocious it is, and no matter the setting in which it is aired, the individual is somehow not to be judged on it, or face consequences for it.

Were is the screeching about the freedom of speech of the Irish Times journalists who have been barred by Newstalk?

RGDATA! · 15-09-2017 04:36PM

DeadHand wrote: »

She hasn't openly betrayed him but she has failed him as a friend in not supporting him publically.

She could have accepted his apology and vouched for Hook the man as Pat Kenny did while at the same time condemning his clumsy comments. Kenny was a far better, braver friend to Hook than Dr. Kelly despite the fact that, in terms of their respective media careers, Ciara owes Hook a hell of a lot more than Pat does.

As it is, Ciara has wilfully profited from George's wrongful suspension. Unless she did so with Hook's blessing she has betrayed her friend.

At best she has abandoned Hook in his time of need- at worst she betrayed him.

I saw her publicly defend him on Twitter, so I don't think it's fair to accuse her of "betraying him" or whatever.

southstar · 15-09-2017 04:41PM

Grolschevik wrote: »

What has? Someone has produced a fictional short film?

..and a load of reactionary bollix aimed at dimwits and Daily Mail readers ...you can see the moronic OTT responses to this pathetic propaganda...Steve Bannon would be proud....by the way I don't think Hook should have been suspended.He's an awkward self promoting blabbermouth but not a bad person.

maxwell smart · 15-09-2017 04:42PM

DickSwiveller wrote: »

So the religion of fanatical liberalism wins out again. I now can't listen to my favourite presenter because a bunch of metropolitan trendies - Mullally and co - have decided who I am and am not allowed listen to.

People need to understand that this was mainly media driven. The media is absolutely stuffed full of these trendies, and they've had a grudge against Newstalk for a long time because of the lack of woman presenters on prime time slots. Most people I've spoken to agreed with Hook and were baffled by the outrage.

I think another worrying aspect to this whole debacle is the influence of social media on national discourse. The advertisers seem to think that Ireland is represented by the few losers on twitter who seemingly have nothing better to do than call for a presenters head.

The above is very accurate. Does it remind you of anything? Media out of touch with the people, politicians likewise?
It's not that far away from the reasons that Donald Trump was elected.
You might laugh but it's not that big a jump.
The vast majority of people are fed up with the media and it's circle of influence and with the social media driven outrage about everything.
It won't take much to tip people over the edge and chose a path that seems to show a different way.

mr_edge_to_you · 15-09-2017 05:12PM

Grolschevik wrote: »

What has? Someone has produced a fictional short film?

The whole thing and the PC society of today reminds me about the sketch from the Life Of Brian where one of the MEN from the People's Front of Judea announces that he should have the right to want to have children. Some of his fellow party members agree and then John Cleese's character dismisses the notion as preposterous and absurd.

constitutionus · 15-09-2017 05:13PM

DickSwiveller wrote: »

IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME. I Repeat. IT IS NOT COMPULSORY TO LISTEN TO HIS PROGRAMME.

Unfortunetly now. its not possible.

jobbridge4life · 15-09-2017 05:16PM

constitutionus wrote: »

Unfortunetly now. its not possible.

He is on suspension. He hasn't had his larynx cut out. Nothing stopping him getting another show, if someone will hire him. Or he could do podcasts.

No one is entitled to a radio show ffs.

Five Green Bottles · 15-09-2017 05:37PM

Yeats has adopted the same line as Pat Kenny, "it's absolutely unacceptable what George had said but he's a good guy" it's now the newstalk party line. It's not right what George said but it's not altogether wrong either. George being older school genuinely believe people have to take responsibility for the position they put them selves in. If you are out in the city any city there will be bad people, sick people and dangerous people. Minimising risk is knowing who you are with. other people known who you with and it's not putting your life and safety in the hands of someone you don't know nor are you in anyway familiar with. When you look into most things there is a responsibility of everyone if at least not to protect themselves from danger not to contribute to the putting themselves at risk or in danger. For that alone he's probably right even if his delivery of it wasn't best worded.

jobbridge4life · 15-09-2017 05:37PM

maxwell smart wrote: »

The above is very accurate. Does it remind you of anything? Media out of touch with the people, politicians likewise?
It's not that far away from the reasons that Donald Trump was elected.
You might laugh but it's not that big a jump.
The vast majority of people are fed up with the media and it's circle of influence and with the social media driven outrage about everything.
It won't take much to tip people over the edge and chose a path that seems to show a different way.

Donald Trump did not win the popular vote, in fact he lost it by several million votes. The largest factor in that odious cretin occupying the White House is the arcane electoral college system.

The great irony of your comment is that you bemoan 'social media driven outrage' while claiming that the vast majority of people are so outraged they might vote for a Donald Trump type, a man known for his perpetually outraged social media presence. Also hilarious that you made this comment on a form of social media, in a thread predominantly filled with people hysterically claiming the suspension of a radio presenter signifies the end of society as we know it.

LOL

jobbridge4life · 15-09-2017 05:39PM

Five Green Bottles wrote: »

Yeats has adopted the same line as Pat Kenny, "it's absolutely unacceptable what George had said but he's a good guy" it's now the newstalk party line. It's not right what George said but it's not altogether wrong either. George being older school genuinely believe people have to take responsibility for the position they put them selves in. If you are out in the city any city there will be bad people, sick people and dangerous people. Minimising risk is knowing who you are with. other people known who you with and it's not putting your life and safety in the hands of someone you don't know nor are you in anyway familiar with. When you look into most things there is a responsibility of everyone if at least not to protect themselves from danger not to contribute to the putting themselves at risk or in danger. For that alone he's probably right even if his delivery of it wasn't best worded.

HE very clearly implied that a rape victim ought to share part of the blame. He used the word blame.

High Noon with George Hook.

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