THE BROADCASTING Authority of Ireland (BAI) is preparing new codes of practice for radio and television broadcasts, including those directed at children.
The BAI succeeded the Broadcasting Commission, which was the regulator of the commercial broadcasting sector in Ireland. The authority’s role expanded when it was established on October 1st, to include RTÉ and digital television.
The authority is seeking submissions from the public and interested parties on the new codes, which can be accessed on its website or from its offices at 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin. Submissions must be made before November 20th.
The draft codes, which are on the BAI website, include provisions for restricting the broadcasting of certain types of communications at times when children are likely to be watching, setting a 9pm watershed. It states that an 11pm watershed “must be considered” where material of a sexual or violent nature not suitable for children under 15 is concerned.
The draft code also states that audiovisual commercial communications “shall not reflect a range of values which are inconsistent with the moral or ethical standards or diversity of contemporary Irish society. They shall respect human dignity and not discriminate on grounds of gender . . . Nor shall they be offensive to religious or political beliefs or encourage behaviour which is damaging to the environment.”
Standards are also set in relation to the advertising, sponsorship and the sale of products.
The new codes are to give effect in Irish law to the EU directive on Audiovisual Media Services.