IUFOPRA Newsletter - 1994 08

Magazine Overview

Title: I.U.F.O.P.R.A. NEWSLETTER
Issue: SPECIAL EDITION
Date: August, 1994
Volume: 1

This special edition newsletter from IUFOPRA details a deeply negative experience with RTE's 'Talk Radio' program, which the organization claims caused them significant embarrassment and humiliation. The newsletter aims to inform members of the incident and its repercussions.

The 'Talk Radio' Interview Incident

The newsletter recounts how IUFOPRA was contacted by Michael Holmes, a producer for RTE's 'Talk Radio', who proposed a program coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Moon Landing, focusing on UFOs and interviewing an organization. IUFOPRA agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to gain national recognition. Holmes specifically expressed interest in discussing the Rosewell incident and the wave of UFO sightings over Ireland on March 30/31st, 1993.

IUFOPRA prepared dossiers on these topics and attended the RTE studios on August 11th for the recording, scheduled to air on August 13th. However, upon arrival, Holmes informed them of his skeptical perspective on ufology, which IUFOPRA stated they accepted as a positive approach. The interview, lasting approximately 13 to 14 minutes, began with Holmes immediately discussing UFOs and making claims about spaceships landing in Ireland, which IUFOPRA felt was inaccurate and not given adequate time to correct. They felt 'on the spot' and uncomfortable with his line of questioning.

Unfavorable Portrayal and Damaged Credibility

During the interview, Holmes also inquired about Men in Black (MIBs) and a past experience of IUFOPRA's PRO, Karl Morris. The discussion then moved to the March 31st sightings, a significant case for IUFOPRA, which had been investigated in collaboration with colleagues in England, the MOD, and the Irish Air Corps, with a detailed report produced by Karl Morris. However, the interview concluded abruptly with Holmes stating he had no time to discuss Rosewell, though he promised to mention it briefly on air.

Upon hearing the broadcast on August 13th, IUFOPRA was horrified to discover they had been 'set up' for ridicule and character assassination. They felt Holmes's attitude was one-sided, turning the incident into an amusing spectacle where they were made to look like 'proverbial scapegoats'. The newsletter notes that public reaction via telephone calls indicated a low opinion of IUFOPRA, with callers describing them as naive or suggesting they needed psychiatric evaluation.

IUFOPRA believes the program severely damaged their credibility, especially among their Irish members, making them appear as 'two UFO nuts who had nothing better to do with our time than going around chasing after Aliens'. The organization emphasizes that the interview failed to address crucial points about IUFOPRA itself, such as its aims, its status as Ireland's only independent UFO and paranormal research association, its commitment to unbiased scientific research, its team of qualified investigators, its production of the IUFOPRA JOURNAL and newsletters, and membership details.

Omissions and Consequences

Crucially, Holmes omitted the report on the March 31st sightings from the program, despite it being recorded and highlighted as a key topic. Similarly, the discussion on Rosewell, which Holmes had agreed to cover, did not occur. IUFOPRA asserts that the inclusion of these elements would have significantly strengthened their credibility.

As a result of this 'fiasco', IUFOPRA feels they must rebuild their reputation in Ireland, noting that their reputation abroad is solid due to liaisons with international UFO organizations and ufologists. They lament Ireland's 'closed-minded attitude' towards the UFO phenomenon and express pessimism about the subject being taken seriously in the near future.

Future Policy and Member Appeal

IUFOPRA concludes that the 'Talk Radio' incident has badly damaged their reputation as ufologists and private individuals. They have learned a hard lesson and have decided never to participate in another media interview, especially with RTE. They urge their members to express their disapproval to RTE and 'Talk Radio' by writing to Michael Holmes at the provided address. The newsletter apologizes for its length but stresses the importance of conveying the true facts of the situation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter's stance is one of deep disappointment and a sense of betrayal by the media. It highlights the challenges faced by UFO research organizations in gaining serious consideration and the negative impact of sensationalism and biased reporting. IUFOPRA advocates for unbiased scientific research and expresses frustration with the public's and media's perceived closed-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon in Ireland. The editorial emphasizes the importance of credibility and the organization's commitment to its mission despite this setback.