Music
06 Oct 17

Dil W. In "Shock" After Newstalk Cancels Her Show

The broadcaster, who recently hit the headlines for her refusal to do her show if George Hook wasn’t pulled from the airwaves after his outrageous comments about rape, has told how she’s “shocked and deeply disappointed” to have learned that her show is coming to an "abrupt end".

In a statement released last night, Wickremasinghe told how she had met with Newstalk management yesterday who told her that "despite positive ratings and performance", her Saturday night radio show 'Global Village' had been cancelled.
It was also reported yesterday that Newstalk has banned any Irish Times journalists from appearing on any of the station's shows following a critical article about Newstalk by Fintan O'Toole.
No doubt conspiracy theorists will now claiming that the cancellation of Dil's show could be somehow connected to recent events at the station.
"I am shocked and deeply disappointed at this sudden news," she admits.
"10 years ago, I set out to create a unique radio show which served as a platform to highlight the voices of the most vulnerable in our society and the issues that affect their lives – issues that I personally care passionately about."

STATEMENT - My Newstalk carrier comes to an abrupt end after a decade. #goodbyeglobalvillage pic.twitter.com/1qHVWHS9zj

— Dil Wickremasinghe (@DilW) October 5, 2017

She continued: “Presenting 'Global Village' every Saturday night between 19.00-20.00 on Newstalk has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I enjoyed my time working on it immensely.
"Over the years I have worked with a fantastic production team and collaborated with countless voluntary and community groups nationwide and together we created something special, a space in Irish media that not only raised awareness but inspired listeners to be part of the change.
"Shining a light on social justice and mental health issues such as marriage equality, gender recognition, integration, undocumented workers and direct provision, penal reform, gender equality, women’s rights, disability, domestic violence, sexual abuse and violence and homelessness just to mention a few.
"(It) has been my life’s work and I was proud to create a much needed space for these issues on Irish media."
At the end of her statement, she said: “"My heartfelt thanks to all who have journeyed with me over the years and I look forward to connecting with you all again as I continue my work through different channels for change."