Kieran Cuddihy Issues Live On-Air Challenge to Ivan Yates Following Radio Show Criticism
RTÉ broadcaster Kieran Cuddihy has challenged former Newstalk presenter Ivan Yates to a live studio debate after Yates dismissed the afternoon show Liveline as a political “barbecue” that treats guests like “pinballs”, thesun.ie reported. The clash between the two prominent Irish broadcasters unfolds ahead of the IMRO Radio Awards in Kilkenny, where Cuddihy enters the weekend nominated for Speech Broadcaster of the Year.
The Debate Over Phone-In Radio Tactics
Ivan Yates, 66, now works as a media trainer and communications coach advising high-profile clients, including former presidential candidate Jim Gavin, to steer clear of phone-in programmes. Yates stated to thesun.ie that he would refuse any invitation to appear on Liveline himself. He compared the mechanics of live-caller broadcasts to social media algorithms, arguing that both systems deliberately trigger anger and rage for emotional effect rather than fostering genuine debate.
“The nature of Liveline is guerrilla tactics, and the entertainment feature of it is that it’s a barbecue,” Yates told thesun.ie. “If you want to get your message across, as opposed to being a pinball, if you go on Liveline, you’ve gone on the wrong show.”
Kieran Cuddihy rejected that characterization when responding through the same publication. Cuddihy argued that losing control of the narrative is precisely what proves the value of the platform, extending an open invitation for Yates to defend his critique on air.
“I think it’s a testament to Liveline that you can’t control the message,” Cuddihy told thesun.ie. “I’d love Ivan to come on Liveline and discuss it. Honestly I’d be more upset if Ivan Yates’ advice was ‘go on Liveline, you’ll be able to get your point across and come out smelling like roses’.”
Clashing Views on Irish Media Monoculture
Beyond the afternoon radio format, Yates used the lead-up to the Kilkenny awards ceremony to criticize RTÉ Radio and Newstalk for operating as an interchangeable, uniform establishment. The former Minister claimed that mainstream outlets promote a left-of-centre, nanny-state consensus while systematically excluding dissenting voices such as George Hooks, Kevin Myers, Eoghan Harris, and Eddie Hobbs.
Yates argues that this perceived uniformity drives audiences toward unconstrained podcast formats. The remarks coincide with the publication of his new book, The Game of Life and How to Win it, released by Gill Books and priced at €19.79. Yates maintains he has no intention of returning to daily broadcasting after compiling life lessons and professional advice gathered over a 50-year career across politics, sports, and the arts.
Where Are the IMRO Radio Awards Taking Place?
Where are the IMRO Radio Awards taking place?
The annual radio industry event is being held in Kilkenny.
What category is Kieran Cuddihy nominated for?
Kieran Cuddihy is nominated for Speech Broadcaster of the Year.
Who published Ivan Yates’ new book and what is it called?
The book is titled The Game of Life and How to Win it and is published by Gill Books.
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