Write a commentWith recent concerns over the transmission of gaelic games including the unavailability in the north of Skys transmission of the Sunday Game on 17 June, Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty MLA has sought an urgent meeting with the Director General of RTE.
Mr McNulty, a member of the Armagh All Ireland winning GAA team from 2002, explained, ‘RTE is our national broadcaster and at this time of year, in the thick of the GAA Championship season, many homes tune into RTE every weekend for game coverage and of course the Sunday Game. However, on Sunday night a lot of people who usually access the programme through Sky were unable to view the programme. ‘
‘This is not a new phenomenon and many people regularly express annoyance that residents in the north cannot access online services through the RTE Player App because we are treated as “International Viewers.” This is not acceptable from our national broadcaster.’
‘There are other issues around the lack of GAA coverage in general and that includes from BBC Northern Ireland. This is an issue I intend to raise with all parties involved, including the GAA, BBC Northern Ireland and RTE.’
‘I have sought an urgent meeting with the Director General of RTE to discuss access for us Northern viewers to our national sports and hope we will be able to make progress. For me it’s very simple, RTE is our national broadcaster and it doesn’t matter if you’re in Dundalk or Dorsey the service should be the same.’
