Press Releases 2008

 

BCI ISSUE GUIDELINES IN ADVANCE OF LISBON TREATY REFERENDUM

 

APRIL 30TH 2008

 

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (Wednesday April 30th) issued its guidelines for commercial, community, institutional and temporary broadcasters, in advance of the forthcoming Treaty of Lisbon Referendum.  The guidelines take effect following the formal announcement by the Government of the date when the referendum is to be held.

 

Three key changes have been made to the guidelines, in comparison with guidelines for previous referenda.  These changes were implemented, following consideration of the guidelines by the BCI Board.  Firstly, the moratorium period has been extended and will now operate for the entire day before the referendum takes place and throughout the day of the poll itself, until the polling stations close.  Secondly, changes have been made which will see a less restrictive approach to news and current affairs coverage during the moratorium period.  Finally, a prohibition on referendum-specific-broadcasts by referendum interest groups has been introduced.  This prohibition will not apply to broadcasts provided by the Referendum Commission.

 

Speaking about the guidelines, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BCI said
“The forthcoming treaty of Lisbon is an important public event and the BCI guidelines are produced to ensure fair, impartial and objective coverage of events and issues related to the Referendum.  Furthermore, the amendments to the guidelines, in comparison with previous referenda will ensure a uniformity of approach to coverage by all broadcasters both in terms of the scope of broadcasts and moratorium timeframes.”

 

 

-Ends-

 

Media Queries to:

 

Suzanne Sullivan                                       or                   Aoife Clabby
Q4 Public Relations                                                         BCI
01 4751444/086 3797291                                              01 6441200