Coimisiún na Meán opens investigation into Tipperary radio station
An investigation has been opened by Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team into Tipp FM, as well as Wexford-based station South East Radio
Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team has announced that they today have commenced two separate formal broadcasting investigations, into South East Radio and TippFM.
The investigations will assess suspected contraventions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) and the Broadcasting Codes. The investigations have commenced following complaints assessed and processed through An Coimisiún’s Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Complaint Process.
As a result of these complaints, concerns arose regarding suspected contraventions of both statutory provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) and regulatory provisions of the Broadcasting Codes.The investigations will look into:
- 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 (as amended) concerning news and current affairs.
- Whether TippFM breached the Code of Programme Standards and the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs.
The Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs aims to protect the interests of the public and to ensure that broadcasters treat 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.
The investigations will be conducted pursuant to Part 8B of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
If a broadcaster is found in violation of the statutory or regulatory rules, Coimisiún na Meán can apply an administrative financial sanction, including a fine of up to 10% of turnover, or €20 million.
Any financial sanctions imposed are paid to the Exchequer and must be confirmed by either the Circuit Court or the High Court.
TippFM has been contacted for comment.