The broadcaster was suspended back in September 2017 for his comments on rape victims.
Newstalk released their latest weekend schedule for 2018 on Thursday afternoon, quietly informing the masses that George Hook is back on air from Sunday following a suspension some three months ago.
Back in September, Hook was suspended from air following comments the veteran radio presenter made about rape victims. The broadcaster was branded sexist after he revealed his belief that rape victims ”who put themselves in danger” should also be blamed.
The news of Hook’s return to broadcasting was announced earlier today and has divided the country entirely. While many are glad to see Hook returning to the airwaves, a huge amount of people condemn the radio station’s choice to revoke his suspension so soon.
Hundreds took to Twitter to voice their thoughts.
https://twitter.com/stibhan/status/948999004255391744
https://twitter.com/Kearjam/status/949001179895336960
george hook being allowed back on newstalk is a load of bollocks
— megan harris (@megxnharris) January 4, 2018
So thrilled! I just heard that George Hook is coming back to @newstalkFM this Saturday! Awesome! ^_^
— 🐤 silent girl 🐤 (aka JCB) (@hyperexciting) January 4, 2018
George Hook back at Newstalk. A world of no consequences for old white guys with dangerous views. https://t.co/4TQebZ90KF
— Elon 'She's turned the weans against us' Musk (@LiamGall1983) January 4, 2018
Some had things to say about the date of his return, Sunday 6 January, otherwise known as Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas.
https://twitter.com/johnwelcomeinn/status/948990324550062080
Will move the dial to Newstalk again now that George Hook is back 😊 👏
— Margaret Woods (@MargaWoods) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/LiamAJPhelan/status/948964098376642561
https://twitter.com/eimearmchugh/status/948955017750380544
https://twitter.com/BryanOS/status/948947755879292928
Some are putting their feelings aside to comment on what the move can do for the greater good.
Dil Wickremasinghe, who is this week curating the @Ireland Twitter account posted this video citing her views on Hook’s return to radio. Wickremasinghe’s show Global Village came to an abrupt end amidst the scandal, following a decade-long run on the radio station.
She makes a call to broadcasters and journalists to make an effort to be aware of the effects that the media has on others.
My response to the return of @ghook to @NewstalkFM – Hope lessons have been learned! #responsiblejournalism pic.twitter.com/WEpvtXdKbi
— Ireland / Rohana – LeCheileDND (@ireland) January 4, 2018
At time of writing, Wickremasinghe’s tweet has been praised on Twitter, with users claiming it ”reasonable and dignified.”
Hook returns to the air on 6 January, with his new show Hook’s Saturday Sit-In from 8am – 10am every Saturday.
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