Mario Rosenstock Critiques RTE’s Comedy Approach and Censorship

Comedian Mario Rosenstock has publicly criticized RTÉ for what he describes as a lack of comedic content and a culture of censorship within the national broadcaster. Speaking on The Anton Savage Show on Newstalk, Rosenstock expressed his dismay at RTÉ’s recent handling of comedy, particularly following high-profile changes in Irish radio, including the departure of Ray D’Arcy.

Rosenstock’s comments came in the wake of a statement from RTÉ’s Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, regarding the current state of comedy programming. Bakhurst acknowledged that comedy can be “hit and miss,” which Rosenstock interpreted as an admission of defeat in producing engaging comedic content. He remarked, “I’d never heard a head of a TV station saying that before—that they actually gave up on making comedy.”

The comedian further elaborated on what he perceives to be a “chilling effect” on RTÉ’s editorial decisions. He suggested that the broadcaster is “financially compromised,” implying that external pressures influence its programming choices. “I think they’re owned, in a sense, by the powers that be,” he stated. “There is a quasi nod and a wink going, listen, just don’t give us any trouble and we’ll keep funding you into the next 15 years.” This sentiment raises concerns about the limitations placed on editorial freedom, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as Palestine and Israel.

Rosenstock, who has been a guest on the Late Late Show 23 times, described his experiences with censorship during the pre-vetting process. He indicated that while some feedback is standard practice for all comedians, there have been instances where he was explicitly told to avoid certain topics. “You’re just going, ‘Okay, right now, I have tickets to sell… Do I run out into the street and shout ‘RTÉ tried to muzzle me’, or do I just go in and just get on with it?’”

In response to Rosenstock’s remarks, an RTÉ spokesperson stated, “Any suggestion that RTÉ or Kevin Bakhurst have given up on comedy is simply incorrect.” They highlighted RTÉ’s commitment to comedy, noting the appointment of Mark Bignell as the Commissioning Editor for Comedy following a public competition. The spokesperson also clarified that discussions between researchers and guests prior to appearances on chat shows are standard practice, dismissing claims of censorship.

As the conversation around the state of comedy in Ireland continues, Rosenstock’s comments reflect broader concerns about artistic expression and the financial influences that can shape media content. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the need for a vibrant comedic landscape that resonates with the interests and values of the audience.