Doireann Garrihy has removed an ad for a porridge brand from her Instagram feed, after it was taken in RTÉ 2FM’s studios without permission.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal hit headlines last month.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
Doireann, who hosts 2FM Breakfast alongside Carl Mullan and Donncha O’Callaghan, landed a brand deal with Flahavan’s in 2022.
The deal, which saw her promote the brand’s porridge on her Instagram, was separate to her work for RTÉ.
The post was taken down on Monday, after RTÉ told the Irish Independent that the Dancing with the Stars host did not have permission “for the use of RTÉ facilities” for this advertisement.
Picture: Andres Poveda
Similarly, Lottie Ryan was ordered to remove an ad for a car company, that was filmed on RTÉ’s campus without permission, from her Instagram feed earlier this week.
According to the Irish Independent, the video showed Lottie promoting a €50,000 Toyota car.
It was filmed at the back of the RTÉ Radio building, and even featured the RTÉ logo on a sign for a car charging point.
It’s understood the video was removed from Lottie’s Instagram feed after RTÉ was contacted for a comment on the clip.
A spokesperson said: “Permission was not given by RTÉ to Lottie Ryan for the filming or for the post in question.”
“RTÉ has comprehensive social media guidelines that all employees – staff and contractors – are contractually obliged to adhere to.”
“This matter has been addressed with her by management. The post has been taken down,” they added.
RTÉ confirmed last night that Lottie, who announced her sudden departure from NK Management this morning, had apologised for the breach of social media guidelines.
According to RTÉ’s journalism guidelines, use of the RTÉ campus “for any purposes” is by permission on a case-by-case basis.
