Broadcasting moratorium to be lifted ahead of Irish general election

The broadcast moratorium rule imposed on television and radio stations in the Republic of Ireland during the general election should be scrapped and replaced with new requirements.

Previously, this rule meant that television and radio stations were prohibited from broadcasting any information that could influence the vote from 14:00 local time on the eve of election day until the polls closed.

Media regulator Coimisiun na Méan announced on Friday that the moratorium, which had been in place since 1997, was being replaced by a moratorium. “additional care requirements.”

Many expect the Irish general election will be called later this year.

The decision follows a review of the moratorium rule led by Coimisiun na Méan, which began in February this year.

Some broadcasters had previously called for the moratorium to be lifted, with many saying it did not reflect the current media situation as online media were not forced to stop covering the election the day before.

Broadcasters are now required to exercise extra caution during what Coimisiun na Mêan described as the “critical election period”.

During this period, Koimisiun na Mean stated that broadcasters should “treat with particular caution election-related information which they believe or have reason to believe has been disseminated with the intent to mislead or confuse voters or which is likely to mislead or confuse voters.” “

The regulator said that implementation of the “extra care” requirement is at the discretion of the broadcaster’s editorial team and may involve broadcasters refuting or correcting misconceptions arising from misleading information.

They added that broadcasters should take extra care to ensure that views expressed by program participants do not interfere with the electoral process “by making false or misleading statements regarding electoral procedures.”

Broadcasters are also asked not to cover opinion polls and exit polls during voting.