RTE randomness

ATC110

Could anyone suggest why RTE think there is a viewership for a 1.5 hour documentary on some former RTE journalist.

Thanks in advance 

buried

There is a good cross section of the currently existing Irish community who remember the very act of broadcast television being some sort of transcendental magick that was broadcast into their houses not long after the introduction of electricity. For these folk RTE is literally some sort of magical authoritarian brain sauce akin to brilliant book multiplied by a billion, anything that RTE throw out will always be viewed as such. These poor brainwashed people will even watch a two hour documentary about Gay Byrnes drainpipes, let alone the man himself.

Fr Tod Umptious

To people of a certain age, I'm 50, Charlie Bird was and still is a household name.

He was the person that broke and reported on the big Irish news stories of the '70s, '80s and '90s.

A documentary about him and his coming to terms with being diagnosed with MND at the age of 70 is of interest to a great many viewers I'd imagine.

I'm not one for these sorts of programmes usually, but I ended up watching this one and found it very interesting, and sad too, because I think MND must be one of the most absolutely worse things in the world to be afflicted with.

As he said, it's knowing the way he is going to die that saddens and terrifies him so much.

KaneToad

I watched it. Turned it on by accident. I found it very interesting. An interesting insight into a dreadful disease. He has a terminal illness and has managed to raise €3m+ for good causes, which is to be admired.

Good luck to the man & his family.

Muahahaha

Didnt watch it myself and wouldnt really have been a fan of Charlie Bird. But it is good that he is raising awareness of MND and his efforts have fundraised over 3 million for it too which is some achievement. I cant see any downsides to that at all.

Patrick2010

I wish him well and the fundraising is great but I couldn't bring myself to watch it.

What would you suggest they should have shown as an alternative?

dorothylives

RTE have always been good at milking anything to do with their own. I'm sick to the back teeth of hearing about dying/dead former RTE employees. Yes, that sounds very cold hearted, but honestly, once is enough, we don't need multiple programmes on each one, then multiple repeats of those programmes. It's like misery porn on repeat and who needs that after the past few years?

Liberty_Bear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058250127/rte-randomness

RTE churns out about 80% of fare that is utter shite, type of crap you would hear on Liveline. However the Charlie Doc was quite good. Highlights MND and its effects. Same goes for all of those who suffer any serious disease. Id let them off the hook on this one mate!