Coimisiún na Meán has launched “two separate formal broadcasting investigations” into popular regional radio stations South East Radio and TippFM.
The investigations were initiated after the receipt of “complaints” by the state media regulator, which it says developed concerns about possible breaches of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the broadcasting codes.
The investigations will examine whether South East Radio breached the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs, in addition to sections of the Broadcasting Act 2009 concerning news and current affairs; and whether TippFM breached the Code of Programme Standards and the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs.
In a statement announcing the investigations, Coimisiún na Meán said that the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs is intended to protect the public’s interests and to ensure that broadcasters cover news and current affairs topics in a “fair, objective and impartial manner, including prohibiting expression of the broadcasters’ own views”.
“The Code of Programme Standards aims to inform the public on the standards they can expect from broadcasters, and to establish principles for editorial content in order to minimise harm and undue offence.
“The Code includes prohibitions on the stigmatisation and incitement of hatred against people or groups in society, and on the encouragement of views or behaviour prejudicial to the protection of the environment,” Coimisiún na Meán said.
If a broadcaster is found in violation of the rules, Coimisiún na Meán can apply an administrative financial sanction, including a fine of up to 10% of turnover, or €20 million, with the penalty to be paid to the Exchequer.