A Balanced View – No Thank You!

Since I started presenting Global Village on Newstalk 106-108 fm back in June 2008 we have encountered a reoccurring complaint from some listeners regarding my imbalanced view. Initially when the programme was only an intercultural slot our angle was to look at topical issues through the eyes of the 188 nationalities that have made Ireland their home. I was intent on providing a fresh perspective on current issues rather than following the run of the mill multicultural format which had been done so many times before in media. I often felt focusing on the multicultural model only highlighted our differences and widened the gap between the indigenous community and new communities. From the onset we adopted an intercultural approach which focused on our similarities and encouraged dialogue and understanding between all communities in Ireland.Interestingly when we evolved into our current format which focuses on equality, human rights and social issues we received the same criticism. The topics we covered were based on the Irish 9 Grounds of Equality which are Gender; Age; Religion; Race; Sexual Orientation; Disability; Marital Status; Family Status and Membership to the Traveller community. It is against Irish Equality legislation to discriminate against an individual based on these grounds in relation to employment and accessing services. However, we often received angry and abusive texts and emails reprimanding us of our lack of balance and only providing one side of the argument.

 One text we received made a very good point;

“It’s funny how some texters are complaining that the argument is one sided, the opposite side of the argument shouldn’t have a voice, because the opposing side is pig ignorant racism”.

The reality is I and everyone in the media has the right to have this view in circumstances which revolve around inequality and discrimination as these are quite simple against the law. For example, let’s take other instances where it is impossible to remain impartial in the interest of morality and Irish legislation.  Drink Driving is not only against the law but frowned upon socially, would you expect the media to stay impartial on this matter or would you prefer it if they condemned it so as to ensure that society stands up against this dangerous practice? How about paedophilia? Would you allow a media presenter to adopt an impartial stance or provide a balanced view on this horrific injustice which robs children of their lives?

So my question is why am I expected to provide a balanced view on racism, discrimination, inequality, social injustice, social exclusion… as these are all not just crimes against Irish law but crimes against humanity. If this makes my view imbalanced then so be it!