IRELAND\u2019S MEDIA REGULATOR, Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n, has commenced its first investigations into radio stations over allegations that they breached broadcasting rules.<\/p>\n
The watchdog announced on Monday separate probes into local radio stations Tipp FM and Wexford-based South East Radio following complaints over segments on different morning current affairs programmes that aired in 2024.<\/p>\n
Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n was formed after media legislation changed in 2022, with previous investigations handled by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.<\/p>\n
This is the first investigation the watchdog is carrying out into broadcasters since it was founded three years ago. It has also conducted investigations into online platforms such as Meta, X and TikTok.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Monday, the media regulator announced it has commenced investigations into South East Radio and Tipp FM, which will assess \u201csuspected contraventions\u201d of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the broadcasting code of practice.<\/p>\n
These refer to codes of fairness, objectivity and impartiality in news and current affairs programming.<\/p>\n
The investigations have commenced following complaints that have already been assessed through the regulator\u2019s complaint process.<\/p>\n
In its statement, Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n said that \u201cas a result of these complaints, concerns arose regarding suspected contraventions\u201d of the Broadcasting Act.\n<\/p>\n
\u2018Men cutting rhododendrons\u2019<\/p>\n
The Tipp FM investigation will examine whether the radio station breached codes covering fairness, objectivity and impartiality in news and current affairs coverage.<\/p>\n
According to Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n\u2019s website, the complaint is about a segment on its Tipp Today show where a letter from a listener was read on air \u201cin relation to men cutting rhododendron flowers in the woods\u201d in August 2024.<\/p>\n
The Journal understands that the complaint arose out of a segment where it is alleged that the presenter referred to \u201cgroups of foreign men\u201d and a \u201cgang of men\u201d going around parts of Tipperary removing rhododendrons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe complainant alleges that the broadcast was not fair, impartial or objective to the men described in the letter,\u201d Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n said in its listing of complaints that had been referred for investigation on its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n will also consider whether two principles of the broadcasting code \u2013 encompassing \u201crespect for persons and groups in society\u201d and \u201cprotection of the public interest\u201d \u2013 were contravened by the broadcast.<\/p>\n When contacted, Tipp FM said it would continue to \u201cengage with An Coimisi\u00fan and will be not making any further comment at this stage\u201d.<\/p>\n South East Radio probe<\/p>\n The regulator\u2019s investigation regarding South East Radio is to consider whether it breached the code of fairness, objectivity and impartiality when comments were made on air about former Wexford County Council chief executive Tom Enright.<\/p>\n The complaint concerns broadcasts on a series of dates in December 2024, which allege that the presenter was \u201cnot impartial or balanced, and misquoted statements\u201d when reading out statements \u201cin relation to an off-air incident\u201d.<\/p>\n The probe will also consider whether principle seven of the broadcasting code, which covers a right to privacy, was contravened.<\/p>\n