Chat show host Pat Kenny was today criticised for being dismissive and unfair in his treatment of rogue solicitor Michael Lynn’s insurance company during a live broadcast earlier this year.
AIG Europe claimed its reputation was damaged when the RTÉ Radio presenter branded them a "so-called reputable insurance company" on air in January.
The broadcaster questioned how the company could legally cancel its cover for Lynn, who had taken out multiple mortgages on properties, as he had not been charged with a crime.
An AIG statement that it could not comment on individual claims was dismissed on air by Mr Kenny who said it told him nothing.
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC) upheld the complaint from the insurance giant stating the line of questioning from Mr Kenny was unfair.
RTÉ defended its presenter claiming it was reasonable.
The BCC also found Mr Kenny's response to the statement meant AIG was not given a fair right of reply.
"On hearing the broadcast, the Commission was of the view that the line of questioning by the presenter and his comment on the response from AIG Europe (Ireland) Ltd to the programme constitutes unfairness," the Board of the BCC found.
"The dismissive reaction of the presenter to the statement resulted in AIG Europe not being given a fair right of reply."
AIG said because the programme was broadcast to a wide audience on national radio and the internet this posed serious difficulties in its relationships with customers.
They claimed the comments used in the show suggested the company was disreputable, did not pay genuine claims, acted dishonestly with policy holders, provided policies which are worthless and voids them without reason.
In its response RTÉ said Mr Kenny expressed the indignation which people would have felt who had paid money to Mr Lynn's companies for properties which had not been completed or were now unobtainable.
The station claimed one of its staff contacted the company for a statement asking why AIG voided coverage.
"RTÉ does not accept that the programme on 15th January was unfair or lacked balance or that anything was broadcast which contained inaccurate facts that could have damaged AIG Europe Ltd's reputation."
PA