Investigations launched into two radio stations with listeners in Waterford
Coimisiún na Meán has launched investigations into South East Radio and TippFM, both of which have Waterford listenerships
Investigations have been launched into two radio stations in the South East, both of which have listeners in County Waterford.
Coimisiún na Meán has announced that it has 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 investigation into South East Radio will look into whether it 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.
Meanwhile, the investigation into TippFM will examine whether it breached the Code of Programme Standards and the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs.
A Coimisiún na Meán spokesperson said: “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 per cent 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.
The Wexford-based South East Radio has a strong listenership in Waterford city and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, TippFM boasts a significant listenership in parts of County Waterford which are near the Tipperary border towns of Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.