Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor has hit out at RTÉ, saying that it is sexist in its approach to sports coverage.
The Bray boxer is one of the most decorated female competitors in the world, with six European titles and five world titles under her belt, and said that the gulf between coverage of female and male athletes is evident on RTÉ.
“Last year, when the lads’ European championships were on, they (RTE) filmed the semi finals and the finals but when mine came along, they were nowhere to be seen. They always want to jump on the bandwagon when the Olympics come around every four years but that’s not good enough. We should be getting the support of the national broadcaster. What more do I actually have to do to get that coverage?” she told The Irish Independent.
The boxer, who was noticeably absent from the RTÉ Sports Awards on Sunday night, also accused the national broadcaster of “jumping on the bandwagon when the Olympics comes around every four years” when it comes to boxing.
“I don’t know what we have to do to get the coverage or the support from RTE. They seem to always consume rugby and GAA but boxing is our most successful sport… the lack of coverage over the years is very disrespectful,”
However, RTÉ has defended its track record and said that it has “consistently” supported Katie in her career and would be broadcasting from Rio in 2016 as she defends her Olympic title.
The spokesperson added that RTÉ had “offered comprehensive coverage” for the National Elite Finals in 2014 but the Irish Amateur Boxing Association had declined and “made the decision to work with another broadcaster”.
