Major faux pas for FM104

FlubberJones

In fairness that "kids in the car" thing is absolute drivel, the only people interested in it are the parents of the kid actually speaking... I get into a panic state if I am unfortunate enough to have the radio on and this ****e starts... IMMEDIATE SWITCH OFF.

Lets hope this daft scenario is enough to end the crap fest that it is

Count Hairyfoot

TheLonelyOne wrote: »

So now parent's need to police the innocence of their children. What type of adult must it take to blatantly mock a 4 year old child.

You omitted my first paragraph for some reason. If that's what the show is like and that's what they do then Yes - it's on the parent if they let the kid dial in.

Count Hairyfoot

Count Hairyfoot wrote: »

If so, the onus is one the parent not to let the kid call in if they think there's going to be a problem. How is anyone involved with the show, reasonably, supposed to know that this kid is different

Count Hairyfoot wrote: »

You omitted my first paragraph for some reason. If that's what the show is like and that's what they do then Yes - it's on the parent if they let the kid dial in.

So a parent of a child with disabilities should shield their child, i.e. not engage them for fear of mockery?

It's the people who are mocking the child that are the problem ffs.

I'm not saying that's what happened here, I simply don't know. But the principle is pretty fcuking straightforward.

Count Hairyfoot

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

So a parent of a child with disabilities should shield their child, i.e. not engage them for fear of mockery?

It's the people who are mocking the child that are the problem ffs.

I'm not saying that's what happened here, I simply don't know. But the principle is pretty fcuking straightforward.

Don't see what's so difficult here. I've never heard the show but presumably the parent of the child has. If the other segments feature the DJs mocking the kids and having the craic or whatever you want to call it, why would the parent expect their child to be treated differently? Presumably no one on the show knew anything about any disability and treated the call as they've treated the others. If that's the show you chose to listen to, and that's the show you decide to let a 4 year old call, how is it anyone else's fault if you get exactly what everyone else gets?

TheLonelyOne

Count Hairyfoot wrote: »

Don't see what's so difficult here. I've never heard the show but presumably the parent of the child has. If the other segments feature the DJs mocking the kids and having the craic or whatever you want to call it, why would the parent expect their child to be treated differently? Presumably no one on the show knew anything about any disability and treated the call as they've treated the others. If that's the show you chose to listen to, and that's the show you decide to let a 4 year old call, how is it anyone else's fault if you get exactly what everyone else gets?

What is wrong with you... It's a 4 year old child ffs. The excitement of them getting to hear themselves on the radio and getting to say hello to their friend's and family must be a great delight. Tell me... Why should any child be treated in that way, disability or not? Clearly you have no compassion.

0ph0rce0

Did anyone actually here the thing or what?

What I have in my head is the lads buzzing off the whatsapp like I hear when it's on every morning. Everyone knows what it's like trying to talk to a 4 year old child, they hum and haw, they stutter, they talk nonsense, the lispy words, the not pronouncing r's and so on, more cute than anything else.

I'm not saying it's right at all to slag a child, but did they know he had a disability? Again not that it makes it right.

Someone else posted it earlier, what if he didn't have a disability?

Count Hairyfoot

Count Hairyfoot wrote: »

Don't see what's so difficult here. I've never heard the show but presumably the parent of the child has. If the other segments feature the DJs mocking the kids and having the craic or whatever you want to call it, why would the parent expect their child to be treated differently?

They don't want them treated differently. But nobody in their right mind thinks that mocking a disability, if that's what happened, is 'having the craic'.

It's 2021, whether people like it or not. You can't just presume, when children are engaging with a radio programme, that a child with a disability would never want to participate. We're not shunting them off to residential schools or keeping them hidden, these days. They're as part of our society as you or I.

No professional broadcaster can just make a presumption that a child, or any person, doesn't have a disability. In fact, there are probably posters on this forum with a disability. They deserve to be treated the same as anyone else, and pilloried if they come up with daft ideas on a thread... but never derided for an intrinsic quality, or an accident of birth, whatever you want to call it, which they cannot change.

This is not very complicated.

ELM327

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

They don't want them treated differently. But nobody in their right mind thinks that mocking a disability, if that's what happened, is 'having the craic'.

It's 2021, whether people like it or not. You can't just presume, when children are engaging with a radio programme, that a child with a disability would never want to participate. We're not shunting them off to residential schools or keeping them hidden, these days. They're as part of our society as you or I.

No professional broadcaster can just make a presumption that a child, or any person, doesn't have a disability. In fact, there are probably posters on this forum with a disability. They deserve to be treated the same as anyone else, and pilloried if they come up with daft ideas on a thread... but never derided for an intrinsic quality, or an accident of birth, whatever you want to call it, which they cannot change.

This is not very complicated.

As someone with ASD, I would expect to find the funnier aspects of my disorder laughed at. I have seen this happening in the past too, for myself and other sufferers. It can be funny. I often say the wrong thing, when I'm not picking up on cues that others would. And from the outside it's funny. I get it. People with mental disorders should not be shunned away from society. My golden rule for humor is that either it's ok to laugh at everything, or nothing is ok to laugh at.


This seems like a bit of a storm in a teacup, especially given the following factors:

• The presenters were unaware the child had a disability
• The woman's twitter handle would suggest she's , shall we say, a bit prone to woke-ism

Count Hairyfoot

TheLonelyOne wrote: »

What is wrong with you... It's a 4 year old child ffs. The excitement of them getting to hear themselves on the radio and getting to say hello to their friend's and family must be a great delight. Tell me... Why should any child be treated in that way, disability or not? Clearly you have no compassion.

Here's the thing. I don't like horse racing - you know what I do? - I attend a different sporting event. I don't like this politician - you know what I do? - I vote for someone else. I don't like reality TV talent shows where millionaires get to mock members of the public - you know what I do? - I watch a different program. I don't like radio programs where kids call in and someone takes the mick out of them. You know what I do - I listen to something else. You know what I don't do - i don't let my kid call in and then get upset about them getting the same treatment everyone else gets.

ELM327

ELM327 wrote: »

As someone with ASD, I would expect to find the funnier aspects of my disorder laughed at.

The funnier aspects, sure. I am sure there are funny sides to any disability. And there are things -- say, involving a child -- that you don't mock on national radio.

[*]The woman's twitter handle would suggest she's , shall we say, a bit prone to woke-ism

It just says she's a socialist. People really need to google 'woke'. Probably the most misused word in the english dictionary.

Count Hairyfoot

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

They don't want them treated differently. But nobody in their right mind thinks that mocking a disability, if that's what happened, is 'having the craic'.

It's 2021, whether people like it or not. You can't just presume, when children are engaging with a radio programme, that a child with a disability would never want to participate. We're not shunting them off to residential schools or keeping them hidden, these days. They're as part of our society as you or I.

No professional broadcaster can just make a presumption that a child, or any person, doesn't have a disability. In fact, there are probably posters on this forum with a disability. They deserve to be treated the same as anyone else, and pilloried if they come up with daft ideas on a thread... but never derided for an intrinsic quality, or an accident of birth, whatever you want to call it, which they cannot change.

This is not very complicated.

Again I have to say it. I don't now, never have or ever will listen to the show. I have a serious allergy to wacky radio personalities. But it would appear from what people said that the presenters did in fact treat this kid the same as anyone else. I don't like people taking the mick out of kids to try and make themselves look good, but if that's the shows format and you as a parent choose to engage with them. well then that's on you.

ForestFire

TheLonelyOne wrote: »

What is wrong with you... It's a 4 year old child ffs. The excitement of them getting to hear themselves on the radio and getting to say hello to their friend's and family must be a great delight. Tell me... Why should any child be treated in that way, disability or not? Clearly you have no compassion.

Not heard as audio either, just like everyone else it seems.

But every year, Ryan Tubridy has a bit a "craic/fun" and even some adult humour (goes over kids heads) with lots of young kids on the toy show.

Is that what this radio seqment is normally like?

Did the child's Mother give any indication to the radio staff about the child.

Did the presenters genuinely think they had a coonection issue with the child? And it was this they were joking about....?

doc22

ELM327 wrote: »

As someone with ASD, I would expect to find the funnier aspects of my disorder laughed at. I have seen this happening in the past too, for myself and other sufferers. It can be funny. I often say the wrong thing, when I'm not picking up on cues that others would. And from the outside it's funny. I get it. People with mental disorders should not be shunned away from society. My golden rule for humor is that either it's ok to laugh at everything, or nothing is ok to laugh at.

Reminds me of this

ELM327

that's both hilarious and (for me) uncomfortable to watch!

El Tarangu

Obnoxious as I find this type of breakfast radio show, I'm kind of finding it hard to believe that the two DJs started laying into a four year-old, special needs or no - I imagine it's down to some sort of misunderstanding.

I don't see the fact that the station pulled the audio as an admission of guilt, but rather covering their as*es, just in case.

The mother should complain to the BAI if she has issue with it.

daheff

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Well, not worth speculating, no. But a statement has been made, and it's not sufficient for the station just to delete/ omit to broadcast the material.

Absolutely they should be deleting this audio. Otherwise this will be downloaded and shared for "the craic" & "bantz" by other eejits and the child will be ridiculed for years.

why else do you think that the lad filmed slipping on ice a few years ago was never publicly identified?

Presenters were wrong from the sounds of it, but the station looks to be taking ownership and trying to make amends.

Leilak

hopefully they are both sacked over this disgraceful behaviour

El Tarangu

Leilak wrote: »

hopefully they are both sacked over this disgraceful behaviour

Arra' jaysus...

85603

They probably took it to be a kid just struggling to get going talking, making his first steps, struggling to get the words out. Which is cute and something you could have a giggle at.

Havent yet heard it, judgement reserved.
But Id err towards the above. Until proof otherwise.

lawrencesummers

Leilak wrote: »

hopefully they are both sacked over this disgraceful behaviour

Why stop with just them getting sacked.

The entire radio station should be shut down.

ELM327

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Why stop with just them getting sacked.

The entire radio station should be shut down.

Yeah let's #cancel the lot!

Normal One

So apparently nobody in Twitter land or on here has heard what was said, we don’t know the nature of the disability or additional needs, but we’re supposed to be outraged all the same. Forgive me for not reaching for my pitchfork.

padd b1975

doc22 wrote: »

Reminds me of this

I'd hire him.

statto25

El Tarangu wrote: »

The mother should complain to the BAI if she has issue with it.

Nah its much easier to have a whinge on Twitter

blackvalley

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Why stop with just them getting sacked.

The entire radio station should be shut down.

I agree. The building should be levelled to the ground and a monument erected to commemorate this outrageous insult to the child, their family, the community at large and humour in particular.

Leilak

Leilak wrote: »

hopefully they are both sacked over this disgraceful behaviour

Did you hear it, then?

ford fiesta

usually these radio shows stories are publicity stunts

ford fiesta

ford fiesta wrote: »

usually these radio shows stories are publicity stunts

And as for the Twitter stories…..:pac:

TheLonelyOne

ford fiesta wrote: »

usually these radio shows stories are publicity stunts

Would seem this would isn't as a weak apology has been issued.

0ph0rce0 infracted and thread-banned for making a sexual comment about the mother of the child. This isn't a private conversation, everyone can see it; and the family at the centre of this story are not public figures. Please have respect. Thanks.

Hurrache

Seems like there largest group of people upset and pearl clutching over this are the ones by butt hurt because people think the FM104 morons are, well, morons. Equally moronic as those who use 'woke', the first sign you're not going to find a coherent argument in the post, when trying to find fault with the mother.

Normal One

According to an article in the Journal, the kid’s Mam said

She explained: “I have been asking them to give me the podcast of the programme but what they said was something like ‘it sounds like someone has been up all night or out all night’, something along those lines.

She also isn’t accepting their apology.

So she’s not entirely sure what they said, they’ve apologised several times publicly but that’s still not enough. What was apparently said was obviously in jest, by the sounds of her reaction I was expecting a lot worse. I wonder what else she wants :rolleyes:

I seriously doubt a 4 year old is going to pick up on what two kn*bs said on a radio show or be in any way upset about it.

Meanwhile, the kid is probably sitting in the living room wondering why mammy doesn't have any time to play with him for the last two days.

The shouldn’t have deleted it all if it was nothing.

ford fiesta

Normal One wrote: »

. I wonder what else she wants :rolleyes:

an appearance on the late late show and then the toy show

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

I seriously doubt a 4 year old is going to pick up on what two kn*bs said on a radio show or be in any way upset about it.

I think this is missing the point altogether. Imagine growing up and learning that you were mocked on national radio because of some disability you have, and grown adults were laughing at you.

That would feel a bit shit.

Not sure about you, but I'd probably feel happier if I knew my mum kicked up a big stink about it, at the time.

Let the woman do her job.

Homer

Well we only really have the womans word for it. Nobody here has heard the piece so can’t say the child was mocked or not. Carry on with the torches and pitchforks though :pac:

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I think this is missing the point altogether. Imagine growing up and learning that you were mocked on national radio because of some disability you have, and grown adults were laughing at you.

That would feel a bit shit.

Not sure about you, but I'd probably feel happier if I knew my mum kicked up a big stink about it, at the time.

Let the woman do her job.

Well you seem to have reached your verdict.

The radio station denied mocking the child.
As homer says above, we have the womans word and nothing else- and i"m highly dubious of the way she's approached this.

I'm with nudain, the child is oblivious to all of this and furthermore, what you're really saying is that the DJ's in FM104 deliberately mocked a disabled 4 year old child- sorry but you're way off the mark but continue to believe every half-arsed story on twitter if it gives you comfort.

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm with nudain, the child is oblivious to all of this and furthermore, what you're really saying is that the DJ's in FM104 deliberately mocked a disabled 4 year old child

The child is oblivious to this, for now. Don't for a moment assume he'll never be told about it from neighbours, acquaintances, or acquaintances' children.

I don't believe the hosts deliberately mocked a disabled child. The whole point is that, in the current era, it can't be assumed that someone wouldn't have a disability which affects their speech. It's not 1950 anymore.

If you were in work and someone entered a zoom meeting with an obvious speech issue, you probably wouldn't joke about it. Because you're evidently not an idiot. You have a bit of cop-on, which seems to have been lacking here.

Well you seem to have reached your verdict.

Pretty much, yeah.

Nobody is outraged, neither is this the crime of the century; I wouldn't like the lads to lose their jobs over it. It's a very foolish mistake.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I don't believe the hosts deliberately mocked a disabled child.

But you believe that they mocked the child nevertheless. Sorry but i have a healthy slice of scepticism built into my radar, especially when it comes to twitter posts by "activists" so i'm going to reserve judgement until i listen to the recording myself- that's if it ever gets released.

insert name here 123

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Hurrache

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Nobody is outraged, neither is this the crime of the century; I wouldn't like the lads to lose their jobs over it. It's a very foolish mistake.

Ah there is in fairness, but it's all the clowns outraged that people view FM104 dimly, the very same hypocrites who are crying snowflake are the ones most vociferously whinging.

Hurrache

Hurrache wrote: »

Ah there is in fairness, but it's all the clowns outraged that people view FM104 dimly, the very same hypocrites who are crying snowflake are the ones most vociferously whinging.

Yeah. Funny to observe that zero posters asked for heads to roll, but the free speech warriors waded in, in defence of FM104, replying to arguments that they have invented.

One poster has even mentioned 'burning the station down', needless to say that poster was defending the station.

I can't quite get my head around it. All anyone is saying is 'that's pretty bad form, they really ought to admit the blunder and apologise'.

Faugheen

I personally do think they should be sacked.

Not because of this, but because they're sh*te.

Here's a little more detail but not a lot- apparently she intends making a complaint to the BAI


https://www.thejournal.ie/mother-fm10d-kids-in-the-car-dyspraxia-5467273-Jun2021/

Here's part of the FM104 apology:

“FM104 would like to apologise for making light of a voice message from a young caller this morning.
“During The Strawberry Alarm Clock’s Kids in the Car feature, one of our presenters made a joke about not being able to hear a voice message we received from a young boy, who we later learned has additional needs.
“We have been in touch with the family to make a personal apology.

The more i read about this, the more I'm thinking there's something being made out of absolutely nothing.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I think this is missing the point altogether. Imagine growing up and learning that you were mocked on national radio because of some disability you have, and grown adults were laughing at you.

That would feel a bit shit.

Not sure about you, but I'd probably feel happier if I knew my mum kicked up a big stink about it, at the time.

Let the woman do her job.

It's like the opposite of the Streisand effect. The kid literally would never have known any of this.

Anyway, I'm normally against these kinda threads so I'll butt out.

crooked cockney villain

I saw the post and thought, where have I seen the name Kellie Sweeney before?

Then I remembered. She's a professional moanbag on Twitter. A bleedin PBP activist.

If your parents are into that, a ribbing on the radio or even a learning difficulty are the least of your worries, let's be fair here. It's quite funny a PBP activist giving out about what they say as bullying, given what the movement did to Paddy Jackson, George Hook, the Garda who shot that eejit in D15, and I don't know how many more examples of Twitter pile ons against people who believe in statistics and science.

Nobody representing this vile party of unemployable keyboard thugs should ever be apologised to, for anything.

Let's dial back the language. No talk of "thugs" or "vile" and "unemployable" groups, please. Let's keep it civil. Thanks - Mod

Calhoun

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I think this is missing the point altogether. Imagine growing up and learning that you were mocked on national radio because of some disability you have, and grown adults were laughing at you.

That would feel a bit shit.

Not sure about you, but I'd probably feel happier if I knew my mum kicked up a big stink about it, at the time.

Let the woman do her job.

Its this and more, there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes of people trying to break down the glass ceiling that holds people with disabilities back.

Imagine being the parent of a child going out into a world that has allot of unconscious bias's and will treat the differently because of it. Not allot can and don't even want to as they are probably privileged they don't have to think like that.

Appreciate your comments on thread.

As for FM104 if its really not as bad they should just release the podcast.

Sounds like a stupid joke/segment that went badly wrong.

Doesn't warrant a cancel culture pitchfork Maud Flanders reaction Imo.

Calhoun

Cancelled no but at least a complaint to the BAI and a public admonishing.