In a statement released tonight, one of Newstalk's presenters - Dil Wickremasinghe  - has said that she will go off-air in protest over George Hook's comments.

Wickremasinghe, who hosts the weekly show Global Village on Newstalk, posted a lengthy statement on her personal website and said that she is "deeply unsatisfied with the management of Newstalk as I felt the station has been unsupportive and unwelcoming of female presenters."  

"It is common knowledge that insufficient effort has been made over the years to address the lack of female representation during prime time. As a result, female presenters are segregated to the weekend schedule. I believe this culture is connected to George Hook’s comments. I feel unable to share the airwaves with an individual who has no regard for the duty of care we have to the public and as such will not be presenting Global Village this weekend and management understand my position."

Dil Wickremasinghe's statement can be read here.

Newstalk are understood to be currently investigating George Hook's comments during his show, High Noon. As we previously reported, Dalata Hotel Group pulled their sponsorship deal with Newstalk over Hook's comments.

 

Via Twitter