The person appointed to review RTE’s live programmes and their audiences may wish to refer to the following from this years Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis Clár.  (Other examples will shortly be available. )

For years play spot the hack has been a popular game when watching RTE current affairs.  Audience researchers spend a lot of time putting audiences together. As someone one has been approached to appear in audiences over the last twenty years I know the level of work that goes into it (desperation too!) and also the level of manipulation also – not from RTE’s part either.  RTE also invite political party members and others to take part to ensure lively discussions and a representation.

The way in which radio and TV programme makers have been enamoured by social media is another matter entirely (and one which should be examined).  But audience stacking is something that should be looked at and not just the role of RTE in trying to make programmes but also the fact that they operate in an environment when parties and groups in how they try to get people to call in and manipulate phone polls and discussions.

More anon…