Broadcast Bill carries 'right to reply'

The new Broadcasting Bill 2008 unveiled this morning by Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan is intended to protect the interests of viewers and listeners.

As such, it contains a number of new measures that make it easier for people to make complaints about programmes they see or hear.

Among the key provisions outlined in the legislation is the establishment of audience councils to represent the views of the public and a "right to reply" process that will enable individuals to respond to inaccurate information broadcast about them on radio or television. The Bill also requires broadcasters to develop a code of practice for dealing with complaints

The proposed "right to reply" entitles a person who feels that their reputation has been damaged by an assertion made in a broadcast to publicly respond.

Mr Ryan said although a provision of an immediate right to reply would be beneficial to the individual who feels slighted, it also benefits the broadcaster because it would not be treated as an admission of liability in any defamation case.

RTÉ and TG4 are charged with establishing audience councils that will be entitled to conduct surveys, hold public meetings and represent the views of the public.

The issuing of temporary licences enabling community broadcasters to broadcast for up to 100 days per annum is also included in the Bill, as is a new ban on junk food advertising aimed at children.

The proposal to allow for the Children’s Advertising Code to prohibit advertising food that has a high fat, sugar or salt content was welcomed by the Minister who said it was something he had long advocated.

The Broadcasting Bill 2008 also allows for a free-to-air Irish film channel that will be devoted to Irish, European and international movies, and an Oireachtas channel that shall also show proceedings from local authorities and parliaments in other countries.

“My key focus was to ensure the broadcasting sector delivers on the needs and wants of the viewer and listener,” said Mr Ryan today.

“I am confident this Bill represents a balanced, innovative and modernising approach to broadcasting in Ireland and that it will serve our needs for many years to come,” he added.