'Keepin' it Country' hosts post public apology online
By Brían Donnelly | Dec 8 2018
The hosts of the Belfield FM show Keepin' it Country have stated that they are "sincerely apologetic to all who have been affected" by offensive comments made on air in relation to female students.Following the revelation of the comments, the show was removed from the semester one broadcast timetable and recorded episodes which had been posted online were taken down.In a note dated 3rd December and published on the show's Facebook page, hosts Enda Shalvey, Thomas Hayes, Colm Ronan and Mark Connolly wrote that the comments "are not reflective of our personal viewpoints or that of the school of Agriculture and Food Science. We are aware that the comments made are not acceptable in the society in which we want to live in [sic], that promotes equality and respect for all."The hosts state that a "change of attitude regarding respectfulness and equality for everyone" is needed.The note did not state whether the hosts would be applying to continue the agricultural news and commentary radio show next semester. Belfield FM requires all shows to reapply at the beginning of each semester for a slot on the schedule.Belfield FM Management previously stated that the comments made were in breach of the Belfield FM Membership Agreement. A report has been submitted to the Societies Council and, last week, Belfield FM Management told The University Observer that the issue was "still under review".In an email sent out this week, Station Manager Aisling Grennan wrote that having a show in the semester one timetable "does not guarantee a slot next semester", asking all shows "whether new or returning, to reapply".Since The College Tribune first reported the story last month, news of the comments made has been picked up on Independent.ie and shared online by the Facebook page of FarmIreland.ie, commenting, "Wonder what their mothers would think.....".