Press Releases 2007
 

THURSDAY, 22ND MARCH 2007

BCI STATEMENT REGARDING
TRÓCAIRE ADVERTISEMENT

The BCI has informed Trócaire today that the current version of its advertising campaign is in breach of the Radio and Television Act 1988.  Following discussion with Trócaire, the BCI has considered an alternative broadcast version of the advert, and has deemed that this alternative version is in order under Section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act, 1988. 

Earlier this week, the BCI responded to a query raised by Today FM and provided an initial view that the original advertisement was contrary to Section 10 (3) of the 1988 Act, which states that “no advertisement shall be broadcast which is directed towards a religious or political end”. 

The basis for the Commission’s decision to refuse the first version of the ad related to:

• The definition of a political end, as contemplated by the 1988 Act, is not confined to a party political end, but encompasses procuring a reversal of Government policy or particular decisions of Government
• The text of the advert calls upon people to support a Lenten campaign, that has as one of its stated purposes, to call upon the Government to produce a National Action Plan and seeks public signatures for a petition in this regard.  Therefore the campaign has a political objective as contemplated under the legislation
• It is the BCI’s view that the campaign, as described by Trócaire itself, has as one of its key objectives the procurement of changes in Government policy or decisions so as to prioritise, implement or influence governmental action
• Trócaire, in the submissions made on its behalf, has not denied that the campaign has political objectives.

The rationale for the decision to accept the revised script is that it focuses on Trócaire’s social, humanitarian and fundraising agenda which does not present any conflict with the prohibition on political advertising.

Speaking about the decision, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BCI stated “The Commission is very pleased to have resolved this issue to the satisfaction of both parties and particularly welcomes the co-operation of Trócaire in reaching a successful outcome.

ENDS

For further information

Catherine Logan                                          Aoife Clabby
Q4PR 01 475 1444                                      BCI
086 811 4785                                                01 644 1200