asked the Minister for Communications if he has any plans to amend existing legislation or to introduce regulations under existing legislation which would require the planned commercial radio stations and the third television channel to broadcast party political broadcasts on the same basis at RTE; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Party Political Broadcasts.
26.
The Radio and Television Act, 1988 enables party political broadcasts to be carried on these services in accordance with codes of practice drawn up, and revised from time to time, by the Independent Radio and Television Commission.
My question is designed to ensure that the new station will be operating on the same basis as the existing station so that competition will be fair. Will the new station be required to present party political broadcasts, as RTE are? If not, is it the case that RTE will not be required to present party political broadcasts in future? They should operate on the same basis.
Section 9 (2) of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, provides that contractors can transmit party political broadcasts, provided that they shall not give unfair preference to any political party in allocating time for such broadcasts. Under subsection (3) of section 9, the Independent Radio and Television Commission are required to draw up, and as necessary revise, a code governing standards and practice in relation to party political broadcasts. The commission are likely to draw heavily from RTE's current practice in this regard.
I am happy that if they carry party political broadcasts they will do so under the same guidelines. Are they required to carry party political broadcasts? Under the legislation they seem to be entitled to decide not to carry party political broadcasts. That is specifically what I want to know.
They can carry them but as to whether they will, I am not sure. That is a matter for the individual contractor in an area. I have no doubt that these stations will do so because they will want to secure a wide listenership and show themselves as being involved in their own community.
(Interruptions.)
I have no doubt they will carry them.