Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan’s call for a review of fuel protest coverage has been described as “sinister and deeply disturbing” by the National Union of Journalists.
In a statement issued today following comments made on local radio, the Fine Gael Minister said he would ask Coimisiún na Meán to examine whether media coverage of recent nationwide fuel protests was “balanced or was it skewed.”
The minister said he had received calls from members of the public who supported protests but opposed blockades, adding that he had not heard their perspectives reflected in coverage.
“I’m going to ask them the question anyway,” O’Donovan said.
“Coimisiún na Meán may turn around to me and say ‘nothing to see here, move along move along’, but I’m going to ask them the question anyway.”
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) strongly criticised the remarks, warning they could amount to pressure on independent media.
Describing the minister’s comments, NUJ assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley said they were “sinister and deeply disturbing.”
“I find these comments sinister and deeply disturbing,” Dooley said.
“The media minister is not a bystander but is in a position to influence the allocation of funds, the approval of commercial radio licenses and overall policy on broadcasting.”
Dooley said the minister had drawn a comparison between his role and those of the Justice and Defence Ministers examining the response of the Gardaí and Defence Forces to protest activity, which he described as inappropriate.
“It is not his role to dictate to the independent regulator or to apply pressure on media organisations,” he said.
“RTÉ is a public service broadcaster – not a state broadcaster – and is independently regulated in the interests of democracy. You cannot have a ‘slightly independent’ public service broadcaster.”
He also said journalists had a duty to report events as they unfold, noting that some reporters had faced abuse during the protests.
“Journalists have a duty to report news and to provide coverage of events as they unfold,” Dooley said.
“During the past week many journalists were abused by protesters, including key personnel involved in organising blockades.”
Dooley added that it was “ironic” that the minister had criticised broadcasters while disagreeing with aspects of protest coverage.
“It is ironic that Deputy O’Donnell has decided to join the ranks of the anti-mainstream media critics in his verbal onslaught at professional broadcasters simply because he disagreed with the arguments and actions of the subject of legitimate news coverage.”
He also warned against attacks on journalists, stating there was “no place” for such rhetoric.
“There’s no place for Trumpian ad hominem attacks on journalists and the minister’s comments have caused genuine concern.”
Coimisiún na Meán confirmed it was aware of the minister’s concerns, noting that it operates a statutory complaints process under broadcasting legislation.
A spokesperson said the minister is expected to raise the issue during a scheduled meeting with the regulator, where he may also seek information on complaints received regarding recent coverage.
The fuel protests in recent days have involved convoys and road blockades across the country, with demonstrators opposing rising costs and calling for changes to fuel-related policies. The demonstrations have also led to traffic disruption and increased scrutiny of protest tactics and public order responses.