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11th May 2018

RTÉ Forced To Defend ‘Controversial’ Decision To Air Upcoming Programme

Darragh Berry

The National Broadcaster has been forced to defend its decision to broadcast an upcoming event in the middle of May.

The Royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be aired on the Irish channel and although the coverage is being provided for free (RTÉ don’t have to pay anyone for the rights), Sinn Fein councillor, Paul Donnelly said it was a “disgraceful” waste of tax payers’ money.

The event which will take place on May 19 has been defended by RTÉ according to The Belfast Telegraph and a spokesperson told the publication that:

“The Royal Wedding is being offered to RTE and other public service broadcasters – free of charge via the BBC. RTE will provide its own commentary.”

The output would be similar to that of the Eurovision.

Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Niall O Donnghaile said the decision to broadcast the wedding was “controversial” and was curious as to why RTÉ weren’t more focused on showing events happening in Ireland on that day.

His claims were furthered by a recent Claire Byrne Live poll which showed that 57% of people said they wouldn’t follow the Royal on the television.

The wedding itself will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on that Saturday and the service will begin at midday.

Following the service, the couple will travel around Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage, providing an opportunity for members of the public to see them and join in with the celebrations.

Will you be watching the Royal Wedding on RTÉ? Let us know in the comments.

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