The communication regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has declared it will abolish the existing rule prohibiting broadcasters from sharing any info likely to sway an election from 2pm on the day preceding polling and until voting centres close. This prohibition has been active since 1997. It’s set to be substituted with a so-called extra care condition for broadcasters.
This new prerequisite will be applicable in the 24 hours leading up to when polling stations open, as well as during the duration of voting. This requirement will mandate broadcasters to handle with ultimate caution any election-related intelligence that they believe or have cause to suspect has been circulated with the aim of misleading or bewildering voters.
It’s noted that this additional care requirement will be implemented at the broadcaster’s editorial discretion. Consequently, broadcasters may need to refute or correct misconceptions stemming from false information.
The regulator’s guidelines also argue that broadcasters should pay extra caution to ensure that opinions voiced by programme participants do not disrupt the electoral process by making a deceptive or misleading claim regarding election protocols.
Broadcasters are also instructed not to report on opinion or exit polls during the time of polling according to guidelines due to be published soon after the election date is validated.
This decision comes after a review of the existing ban that took factors like silence periods in other countries, a survey of attitudes conducted with Ipsos B&A and a public consultation into consideration.
Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner of Coimisiún na Meán, said: “Broadcasters in Ireland provide an essential service during election season, informing the public about the election campaign’s issues and candidates.” She also noted that the research has shown that new trust remains high in Ireland compared to other countries, and the commission acknowledges “the Irish audience’s faith in broadcasters and our approach to the moratorium mirrors Ireland’s evolving media environment.”
The representative stated that the focus for Coimisiún na Meán this year is predominantly on elections and electoral integrity. The commission plans to incorporate an additional care protocol for broadcasters. Furthermore, once an election date is established, the commission has intentions to reveal information helpful to electoral candidates about their duties in relation to broadcasting and online safety rules. They will spotlight how they can assist candidates, in addition to laying out guidelines for broadcasters.
She further emphasised the commission’s commitment to interact with online platforms in their preparation for the election. The aim here is to guarantee these platforms have a crucial role in maintaining electoral integrity. This, she explains, will ensure that voters all over Ireland have the ability to choose freely, justly and knowledgeably about where to cast their votes.