Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
158. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce legislation to address the practice of media owners banning representatives of named newspapers from appearing on particular radio stations under their control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20268/20]
View answerUnder section 25 (1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, it is the objective of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to endeavour to ensure the provision of open and pluralistic broadcasting services in the State. To this end, the BAI has put in place a Media Plurality policy and an Ownership and Control policy. It is the role of the BAI to review the compliance of broadcasters with their licensing commitments, taking into account the relevant BAI policies in place pertaining to media plurality. Under section 50 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the BAI may investigate a broadcaster where it believes that the broadcaster is not providing its service in line with the terms of its broadcasting contract with the BAI.
Given the mechanisms already in place regarding the protection and promotion of media plurality, it is not envisaged that legislation will be brought forward on this issue.
