We are 'losing the run of ourselves' when it comes to the Ryan Tubridy pay controversy at RTÉ.
That's according to Newstalk Breakfast host Shane Coleman, who was speaking as executives from the broadcaster prepare to attend the Oireachtas Media Committee later.
Executives will also appear before the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday.
RTÉ released a statement on Tuesday, laying much of the blame for the controversy at the door of former Director-General Dee Forbes.
Ms Forbes resigned from her position on Monday, and will not be attending the Oireachtas Media Committee on health grounds.
An RTÉ logo at the station's headquarters in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ieShane said people should keep some perspective on the scandal.
"I'm starting to feel a little bit conflicted about this story," he said.
"Listening to TDs calling for people to be arrested by the Gardaí and so on.
"I always get nervous when there's a hysteria around a story, and I think there's now a bit of hysteria around this.
"I'm not in any way justifying what happened - what happened is wrong - and I understand people are really disappointed and angry.
"I just wonder are we losing the run of ourselves a little bit?"
Ryan Tubridy at RTE studios in Dublin in 2018. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ieShane said it is right that questions are answered, but wonders if "hysteria" has taken hold.
"I'm also going to say it: I do feel sorry for Ryan Tubridy," he said.
"He made a catastrophic error of judgment, there is absolutely no doubt about that.
"Does he deserve to be a public pariah? I'm not convinced he does.
"On a personal level, I do feel sorry for him," he added.
