Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has called on the GAA and RTE to make GAA games easily acceptable and free to watch. The former Armagh footballer has written to the Director General of RTE.
McNulty said:
“I am well aware that GAAGO is not necessarily out of the question in terms of affordability but there are people out there who do not have Smart television sets and will be unable to watch any of these games. To my mind that is unacceptable.”
“When you think about it people who are sitting in their homes in rural south Armagh or in rural Tyrone may be unable to get these games. People who may not be technologically familiar with all that is involved with GAAGO because of the area in which they live will thus be deprived of seeing these games.
“When you think about it people who are sitting in their homes in rural south Armagh or in rural Tyrone may be unable to get these games. People who may not be technologically familiar with all that is involved with GAAGO because of the area in which they live will thus be deprived of seeing these games.”
McNulty added:
“I have left this matter very firmly on the doorstep of the Director General and I would certainly welcome some form of a positive response.”
“I have received complaints from constituents regarding the relative inaccessibility of this weekend’s matches, with Armagh v Monaghan and Kerry v Tyrone being available only through GAAGO.
“The discontent of my constituents is amplified by the fact that Sunday’s match fixtures will be available to all via RTÉ Sport.
“I share the frustrations of my constituents and am very firmly of the view that Championship matches, particularly from the Quarter Final stages, should be free-to-air as a matter of course.
“I am sure you can appreciate those frustrations, and in writing to you I am hopeful that you will take steps to ensure parity in broadcasting, so that the entirety of this weekend’s matches can be enjoyed by all.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 