RTÉ Sports Commentator Labels Announcement as “Ad” on Social Media

Renowned sports commentator, Morrissey, has taken a bold step in the new era of branding and advertising rules for RTÉ personalities by clearly labeling his latest announcement as an “ad” on social media.

Morrissey, aged 65, shared a booking link for an upcoming event in Spain, along with the hashtag “ad,” leaving no room for ambiguity about the nature of the post. The event, scheduled from October 1-8 at the Holiday World Polynesia Hotel in Benalmadena, promises a week of great fun, entertainment, and laughter.

Joining Morrissey at the event will be a lineup of talented musicians and singers, including Tommy Fleming, Sharon Shannon, The Galway Tenors, Paul Harrington, Kate Purcell, and Patrick O’Sullivan. The package for the event costs €1,275 per person, with additional tax charges.

The package includes return flights to Malaga, airport transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, afternoon entertainment, the services of a Killester Travel representative, and Morrissey as the MC for six of the seven evenings.

Morrissey confirmed that he received permission from RTÉ for the event, as the broadcaster has implemented strict rules regarding external brand deals, gifts, and social media coverage. Presenters are now required to seek permission from their line managers for such engagements, and a register of interests and external activities has been launched for RTÉ staff.

In the age of social media influencers, RTÉ presenters are also navigating the requirements of correctly labeling commercial content to comply with consumer protection laws and advertising standards. The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) mandates that posts containing advertising links should be clearly labeled as “#Ad.”

The Irish Independent has reached out to RTÉ for comment on Morrissey’s upcoming event and his adherence to the new branding and advertising rules. This move by Morrissey sets a precedent for transparency and compliance in the evolving landscape of media personalities and their external engagements.