Supermac’s has firmly denied any involvement in the row between the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI ) and TV3 regarding alleged illegal product placement in the hit show The Apprentice.
Flagship restaurants in both Dublin and Galway featured in a recent episode of The Apprentice, a show which sees candidates battle it out for a prestigious job with Bill Cullen. Following the screening of the episode it emerged that the BCI are carrying out an investigation following a complaint .
In a statement received last Friday, Pat McDonagh, Managing Director of Supermac’s, said: “We can firmly state that Supermac’s is not involved with any dispute between TV3 and BCI”.
The statement went on to say that there is an investigation taking place, but this is only “as regards the show in question for alleged product placement”.
Shinawil, the production company behind The Apprentice have stated that they are not under investigation either. Larry Bass, CEO and executive producer of Shinawil said “Supermac’s was a co-sponsor of the show and did not pay for any product placement”.
TV3 have also denied any wrongdoing. Head of publicity, Deirdre Walsh, said the station has “not breached any regulations, everything is completely legal”.
Mr McDonagh added that Supermac’s were pleased to have appeared on the show which since its launch has attracted high viewer rating. He said that both Supermac’s restaurants were “portrayed in a very positive light”. The episode particularly featured the fact that Supermac’s is celebrating 30 years in business this year, with the candidates having to come up with novel ideas to attract even more customers and increase profit.
Supermac’s was founded by former schoolteacher Pat McDonagh and the first restaurant opened in Main Street, Ballinasloe, Galway, in 1978. Today, there are 96 stores and in excess of 2,500 employees nationwide.
