Press Releases 2005

BCI ANNOUNCES PLANS TO DEVELOP GENERAL ADVERTISING CODE

28th February 06

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) today (28 th February) announced its plans to develop a General Advertising Code at a briefing event for the media and representative agencies. The Code, which will apply to all radio and television broadcasters licensed in the State, will be developed over two phases and will address principles and rules applying to all advertising broadcast by licensed operators. The General Advertising Code is provided for under Section 19 of the Broadcasting Act, 2001.

During the briefing the Commission outlined its approach to the Code’s development. Phase One of consultation involves three principal activities. To date, the Commission has liaised with relevant organisations and representative bodies seeking their views. A research report has been produced including the feedback from broadcasters. The final aspect of Phase One is a public consultation, beginning today.

Speaking at the launch, Conor Maguire, Chairperson of the BCI said, “We believe that the development of the General Advertising Code is timely. The existing framework for statutory regulation of general advertising in Ireland has been in place for eleven years. Considerable change has taken place in the interim both to advertising and sponsorship techniques and in the range of products and services now available to the consumer. We are keen to see the development of a statutory General Advertising Code which reflects the Commission’s own regulatory principles and which enshrine the principle of protecting the citizen and consumer.”

The Commission has produced a consultation document as part of phase one of consultation. The document asks for views on the proposed objectives and structure of the Code, the content of the code in addition to seeking views on specific rules regarding commercial communication and particular products and services.

The BCI is keen to receive feedback from views of viewers and listeners to Irish radio and television services with regard to general advertising. A public notice will be aired on TV and radio to encourage members of the public to become involved in the consultation process. The BCI will also circulate the phase one consultation document widely to key groups and interested parties and will also place an advertisement in tomorrow’s national press seeking views from the general public. Individuals and groups can download a copy of the consultation document on-line or obtain a copy of the consultation document from the Commission’s offices at 2-5 Warrington Place Dublin 2. The document is also available in Irish and in Braille and the deadline for receipt of responses is Friday 21 st April 2006 .

Show me a copy of the General Advertising Code consultation document.

Show me the General Advertising code consultation response form.

Show me a copy of the research document: General advertising codes a review of national and international practice.

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For further information please contact:
Catherine Logan                                           or                    Aoife Clabby
Fleishman Hillard                                                                  BCI
01 6188462 or 086 8114785                                              01 6441200