The BAI have today published the Draft BAI Broadcasting Code on Referenda and Election Coverage (Draft Broadcasting Code) ahead of upcoming Presidential Elections 2011.
The Draft Broadcasting Code proposes a range of standards with which Irish broadcasters must comply when covering referenda and/or elections held in the Republic of Ireland, including the Presidential Election and two referenda which are expected to be held in October 2011. It updates the current BAI Broadcasting Code on Election Coverage so that it will, once introduced, cover both elections and referenda.
The key element of the Draft Broadcasting Code is the requirement that broadcasters’ coverage of both referenda and elections is fair, objective and impartial to all interests and is undertaken without any expression of a broadcaster’s own views on an election or referendum or on election parties or candidates. The Draft Broadcasting Code contains specific provisions in relation to Party Political Broadcasts and broadcasters’ adherence to moratoria on coverage of elections and/or referenda. In addition, the Draft Broadcasting Code restates the prohibition on broadcasters airing political advertising.
Speaking about the Draft Broadcasting Code, the BAI’s Deputy Chief Executive Celene Craig said, “With a presidential election and referenda expected to take place on the same day in October, the requirement to set clear standards for broadcasters is particularly important and necessary. Achieving fairness, objectivity and impartiality in coverage of the election and referenda is vital not only because it is legally required of broadcasters but also because radio and television audiences expect excellent standards and will rely on such coverage to inform their choices at the polling stations.”
A Copy of the full draft is available on the BAI website HERE. Hard copies can be obtained from the BAI offices at 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2.
