Bill proposes single broadcast regulator

A new Bill governing the broadcast media has proposed special measures to protect the interests of viewers and listeners, and creates a single regulatory body for broadcasting.

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan published the Broadcasting Bill today and said it was a “modernising” piece of legislation that would meet the needs of Irish broadcasting in a new era of media and regulation.

The Bill provides for the establishment of a single content regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), which will assume the roles held by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC).

The BAI will have the power to fine broadcasters up to €250,000 for breaching codes. The establishment of an Oireachtas channel and a new film channel is also proposed in the Bill.

The BAI will have two sub panels - the Contracts Award Committee, which will have the role of licensing independent commercial and community broadcasters, and the Compliance Committee, which is intended to ensure that both public and private broadcasters comply with their licence conditions and with broadcasting standards.

In a new precedent, the Bill proposes that opposition parties will have a role to play in the appointment of members to the Boards of the BAI, RTÉ and TG4.

In the case of the BAI, there will be nine board members, five of which will be appointed by Government and four which shall be appointed on the advice of the Joint Oireachtas Committee dealing with broadcasting matters.

With regard to both RTÉ and TG4, it is proposed that there will be 12 board members, six of which will be Government appointed, while four shall be proposed by the Joint Oireachtas Committee. In addition, the director generals of both broadcasters will be appointed as will a representative from the Department of Communications

"I am pleased to grant to my parliamentary colleagues from all sides the responsibility of appointments to such important boards. This marks a new departure in the power and roles of the legislature and the executive in Ireland." said Mr Ryan at the launch of the Bill this morning.

He acknowledged that the BCI has had limited means by which to deal with licence or code infringements by broadcasters but promised that the new broadcasting authority would have "real teeth" and would exert real influence over broadcasters.

"As part of the new bill, the authority will be able to fine broadcasters up to €250,000 for breach of broadcasting codes," the Minister said.

The legislation maintains both RTÉ and TG4 as statutory corporations but requires both broadcasters to publish annual public service broadcasting charters, strategic development plans and annual statement of commitments.

Mr Ryan said the Bill represents a consolidation of almost 50 years of Irish broadcasting legislation and repeals key Acts dating from 1960.

“In essence, the Bill aims to level the playing field of the broadcasting market in Ireland and place greater emphasis on the needs of viewers and listeners,” he said.

The legislation also includes a "right of reply" mechanism whereby individuals who feel their reputations have been damaged may have this corrected in a further broadcast.

There is also provision for the establishment by RTÉ and TG4 of audience councils to represent the views of listeners and viewers.