Press Releases 2006

PHASE TWO CONSULTATION ON CODE OF PROGRAMME

STANDARDS BEGINS

21st March 06

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (March 23 rd) launched the second phase of consultation in the development of a Code of Programme Standards. The Code, which is provided for under Section 19 of the Broadcasting Act 2001, aims to promote responsible broadcasting where entertainment, education and access to info rmation are enhanced and offence and harm reduced. When finalised, the Code will apply to all radio and television broadcasters licensed in the State.

Phase two involves a consultation on rules and principles which pertain to certain types of programme material, including violence, sexual conduct, coarse language, portrayal of persons and groups in society, and the portrayal of drugs, alcohol and solvent abuse. The outcomes of phase one consultation, which included decisions on the objectives, scope and context of the Code, in addition to a workshop with broadcasters and a nationwide attitudinal survey, will form an important backdrop to this phase of the development of the Code.

A consultation document has been produced by the Commission which proposes specific rules and principles and seeks views as to their appropriateness. It also asks if additional rules and principles should be included, as part of this process.

Speaking at the launch, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BCI said, “As part of phase one we elicited valuable responses from broadcasters, interest groups and the public, and these views have shaped the consultation document which we are launching today. The rules and principles as proposed in this second phase of consultation provide an opportunity for broadcasters, interest groups and members of the public to assist the Commission in developing a Code of Programme Standards which reflects societal mores and acknowledges an increasing diversity of tastes and interests.”

The BCI plans to circulate the phase two consultation document widely to key groups and interested parties and has also placed an advertisement in today’s national press seeking views from the general public. The Commission will also broadcast public notices on radio and television encouraging participation in the consultation process among members of the public.

Individuals and groups can download a copy of the consultation document on-line and can e-mail responses to codes@bci.ie. Copies of the consultation document are also available from the Commission’s offices. The document will shortly be available in Irish and in Braille and the deadline for receipt of responses is Tuesday 16 th May 2006 .

Show me a copy of the Code of Programme Standards Phase Two consultation document.

Show me the Code of Programme Standards Phase Two consultation response form.

-Ends-

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