Coimisiún na Meán has launched separate “formal broadcasting investigations” into South East Radio and Tipp FM.
The media regulator has said the investigations will assess suspected contraventions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the broadcasting codes.
A spokesperson for Coimisiún na Meán has said the investigations have commenced following complaints assessed and processed through its broadcasting and video-on-demand complaint process.
The spokesperson said: “As a result of these complaints, concerns arose regarding suspected contraventions of both statutory provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) and regulatory provisions of the broadcasting codes”.
Coimisiún na Meán has said it will investigate whether South East Radio breached the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs, in addition to sections of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) concerning news and current affairs.
The media regulator will separately investigate whether Tipp FM breached the Code of Programme Standards and the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs.
Coimisiún na Meán has said its Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs aims to protect the interests of the public and to ensure that broadcasters treat news and current affairs topics in a fair, objective and impartial manner, including prohibiting the expression of the broadcasters’ own views.
The spokesperson went on to say: “The Code of Programme Standards aims to inform the public on the standards they can expect from broadcasters, and to establish principles for editorial content in order to minimise harm and undue offence.
“The code includes prohibitions on the stigmatisation and incitement of hatred against people or groups in society, and on the encouragement of views or behaviour prejudicial to the protection of the environment.
“The investigations will be conducted pursuant to Part 8B of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended. If a broadcaster is found in violation of the statutory or regulatory rules, Coimisiún na Meán can apply an administrative financial sanction, including a fine of up to 10% of turnover, or €20 million.”
“Any financial sanctions imposed are paid to the Exchequer and must be confirmed by either the Circuit Court or the High Court,” the spokesperson added.
Both South East Radio and Tipp FM have been contacted for comment.