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THIRD SCHEDULE
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BROADCASTING SERVICES
s. 52
Freedom of
Broadcasters
1. —(1) The freedom of all broadcasting licensees is indivisible from and subject to the same
restraints as those relevant to the individual person, and is founded on the individual's right to
be informed and to freely receive and disseminate opinions.
General
obligations of
broadcasters
2. Broadcasting licensees shall—
(a) not broadcast any material which is indecent or obscene or offensive to public morals
(including abusive or insulting language) or offensive to the religious convictions of any section
of the population or likely to prejudice the safety of the Republic or public order and
tranquillity;
(b) exercise due care and sensitivity in the presentation of material which depicts or relates
to acts of brutality, violence, atrocities, drug abuse, obscenity;
(c) exercise due care and responsibility in the presentation of programmes where a large
proportion of the audience is likely to be children.
News
3. —(1) Broadcasting licensees shall report news truthfully, accurately and objectively.
(2) News shall be presented in an appropriate context and in a balanced manner without
intentional or negligent departure from the facts.
(3) Where a report is founded on opinion, supposition, rumour or allegation, it shall be
presented in such a manner as to indicate clearly that such is the case.
(4) Where it subsequently appears that a broadcast report was incorrect in a material
respect, it shall be rectified forthwith, without reservation or delay.
Comment
4. —(1) Broadcasting licensees shall be entitled to comment on and criticise any actions or
events of public importance.
(2) Comment shall be presented in such manner that it appears clearly to be comment.
(3) Comment shall be an honest expression of opinion.
Controversial
issues
5. —(1) In presenting a programme in which controversial issues of public importance are
discussed, a broadcasting licensee shall make reasonable efforts to present differing points of
view in the same programme or in a subsequent programme within a reasonable period of
time and in substantially the same time slot.
(2) A person whose views, deeds or character have or has been criticised in a broadcasting
programme on a controversial issue shall be given a reasonable opportunity by the
broadcasting licensee to reply to such criticism, should that person so request.
Elections
6. During any election period, all broadcasting licensees shall ensure equitable treatment of
political parties, election candidates and electoral issues.
Privacy
7. In so far as news and comment are concerned, broadcasting licensees shall exercise
exceptional care and consideration in matters involving the private lives and private concerns
of individuals, but may however bear in mind that the right to privacy may be overridden by a
legitimate public interest.