The statement comes after a Twitter thread from the boy’s mother.
FM104 have issued a statement apologising for joking about a voicemail sent in by a four-year-old boy with additional needs.
The voicemail was aired during the station’s Strawberry Alarm Clock’s Kids in the Car show. Presented by Jim-Jim Nugent and Mark ‘Nobby’ Noble, the segment has been a much-loved kids’ feature for years.
Yesterday, a four-year-old boy with dyspraxia submitted a WhatsApp voice note to the segment to tell them “how great his Daddy was.”
However, mum Kellie Sweeney claimed the presenters “took the p**s out of him for the sound of his voice and the delay getting the words out.”
They have since apologized via WhatsApp after I pulled them on it.
But is this the sort of treatment that lies ahead for my son in the future, just because he is a little bit different 💔
— Kellie Sweeney (@KellieSocialist) June 14, 2021
The incident sparked outrage amongst Irish Twitter users and listeners who were eager to show support for both mother and son. Many reached out to FM104 to complain.
Last night, the station released a statement “to apologise for making light of” the voice message.
“During the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s Kids in the Car feature, one of our presenters made a joke about not being able to hear a voice message we received from a young boy, who we later learned has additional needs,” a spokesperson for FM104 said. “We have been in touch with the family to make a personal apology.
“…There was no intention to cause deliberate upset or harm, but today we made a mistake and have begun a robust review of our internal processes.”
Ms. Sweeney responded by writing, “Amazing statement…shame it isn’t accurate” and thanking those who reached out in support.
Amazing statement…shame it isn't accurate.
Again thanks for all the support today guys. The fight for a more inclusive society for our kiddos continues ✊
https://t.co/oH1YdvjZdv— Kellie Sweeney (@KellieSocialist) June 14, 2021
