“The vast majority of these are not being treated as formal complaints, but are classified as feedback.”
RTÉ received a fair few complaints from some viewers of the Late Late Toy Show, who claimed the show was using children to promote the Covid-19 vaccine.
While the majority of people do support the introduction of a vaccine, some people do not. The group in question, who have been dubbed anti-vaxxers, have been very clear about their feelings towards the vaccine – and its mention on the Toy Show.
The Sunday Independent reports that the BAI (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) and the national broadcaster both received the complaints after the festive show aired two weeks ago.
RTÉ said its “complaints department received more than 140 emails about references to the pandemic on the show”.
Complainants contacted the BAI after the Toy Show aired to express their feelings towards the mention of the vaccine with some even claiming that the show was “using children” to promote it.
The main complaints came from the group, Yellow Vest Ireland, who have been vocal about their feelings against Covid restrictions, masks, and vaccines.
There were also some complaints reported about “perceived promotion of vaccines” throughout the show. An RTÉ spokeswoman said: “The vast majority of these are not being treated as formal complaints, but are classified as feedback”.
A BAI spokeswoman said they referred the complaints they received to RTÉ “in the first instance to make their complaints directly to the broadcaster. If the complainants are unhappy with the response from the broadcaster, they can then refer their complaints to the BAI.”
Many well known Irish faces including Ryan Tubridy have said they would get the Covid vaccine on live television.
1.7 million viewers tuned in to watch this year’s Toy Show from over 138 countries around the world. It was an extra special Toy Show after the year we’ve had.
The show hit headlines for all the right reasons as it brought joy to the end of a year that no one could have expected.
