Latest Broadcasting Complaints Decisions published

Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, viewers and listeners can complain about broadcasting content which they believe is not in keeping with the broadcasting codes and rules. In line with the complaint process, the viewer or listener should direct their complaint to the broadcaster in the first instance with regard to the broadcaster’s Code of Practice … Continued

Christmas and New year arrangements

The BAI will operate the following office hours over the Christmas/New Year period. Monday 24th December Office Closed Tuesday 25th December Office Closed Wednesday 26th December Office Closed Thursday 27th December 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Friday 28th December 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Monday 31st December 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Tuesday 1st January … Continued

Broadcasting Funding Scheme – Round 16 funding decisions announced

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 18th December 2012, announced funding decisions from the latest round of Sound & Vision II, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. A total of 104 projects have been offered funding on this occasion. Round 16 of the Scheme accepted applications for both Television and Radio projects. A total of … Continued

BAI Announces Closing Dates for the Broadcasting Funding Scheme In 2013

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has announced the closing dates for applications to Sound & Vision II – The Broadcasting Funding Scheme in 2013. The core objective of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme is to increase public access at national, local and community level to high-quality television and sound broadcasting programmes in English and Irish … Continued

Commercial Radio Licensing: Update

In October 2012, the Contract Awards Committee of the BAI announced its intention to invoke the fast-track licensing process for eleven identified sound broadcasting contracts. Public notifications were placed in the national press and on the BAI website. The fast-track licensing process, allowed for under Section 67(3) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, can be invoked … Continued

Statement by the BAI Compliance Committee: The Frontline Presidential Debate

The Compliance Committee of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) met on Tuesday, 20th November. At its meeting, the Committee considered a report and other related material provided to it by RTÉ which dealt with the broadcaster’s editorial review of The Frontline Presidential debate, broadcast in October 2011. From its review of the report already … Continued

Broadcasting Funding Scheme 2013 Update

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) at its meeting yesterday (12th November 2012) considered proposals regarding the operation of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme in 2013. It was decided that three open rounds of Sound & Vision II will be operated during 2013, each with a maximum funding amount of €3.5 million available towards the production … Continued

Latest Broadcasting Complaints Decisions published

Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, viewers and listeners can complain about broadcasting content which they believe is not in keeping with the broadcasting codes and rules. In line with the complaint process, the viewer or listener should direct their complaint to the broadcaster in the first instance with regard to the broadcaster’s Code of Practice … Continued

Reminder: BAI Highlights Referendum Coverage Requirements

In advance of the forthcoming referendum scheduled for Saturday 10th November 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) reminds broadcasters of the requirement, further to the BAI Broadcasting Code on Referenda and Election Coverage (“the Code”), to ensure that coverage of the referendum is fair, objective and impartial. The Code requires coverage of the referendum … Continued

JNLR Results October 2011 – September 2012 published

The latest JNLR/Ipsos MRBI report into radio listening has been published today 25th October 2012 It covers the 12 month period from October 2011 to September 2012 On behalf of the JNLR Committee, a media release and summary information tables are available for download here. Please note: Media queries regarding individual programme or station performance … Continued

Analogue Television switch off

The digital switchover has taken place today, 24th October 2012.  Ireland’s analogue television network has now been replaced by a digital signal. Guidance on the Digital Switchover is available at www.goingdigital.ie or through LoCall 1890 940 980 (English language) and 1890 940 970 (Irish language).

Commercial Radio Licensing Update: BAI to issue notifications to invoke fast-track application process

The Contract Awards Committee of the BAI has announced its intention to invoke fast-track application processes for a number of local sound broadcasting services, in accordance with Section 67(3) of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The fast-track process can be invoked by the Committee when only one expression of interest, from an incumbent sound broadcasting contractor, … Continued

Latest Broadcasting Complaints Decisions published

Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, viewers and listeners can complain about broadcasting content which they believe is not in keeping with the broadcasting codes and rules. In line with the complaint process, the viewer or listener should direct their complaint to the broadcaster in the first instance with regard to the broadcaster’s Code of Practice … Continued

Broadcasting Funding Scheme: Round 15 decisions announced

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 10th October 2012, announced funding decisions from the latest round of Sound & Vision II – the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. A total of 79 projects have been offered funding. Round 15 of the Scheme accepted applications for both Television and Radio projects. 216 applications requesting €12.7 million … Continued

BAI Highlights Referendum Coverage Requirements

In advance of the forthcoming referendum scheduled for Saturday 10th November 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) reminds broadcasters of the requirement, further to the BAI Broadcasting Code on Referenda and Election Coverage (“the Code”), to ensure that coverage of the referendum is fair, objective and impartial. The Code requires coverage of the referendum … Continued

Commercial Radio Licensing: Expressions of Interest – Update

At its meeting today (24th September 2012) the Contract Awards Committee (“the Committee”) of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“the BAI”) decided to invoke the fast-track licensing process for twelve local sound broadcasting services based on its consideration of the twelve expressions of interest received for these services. The Committee considered each expression of interest … Continued

BAI Sponsorship Scheme 2013

The BAI Sponsorship Scheme 2013 is now online. Applications for same should be submitted to the BAI by 3rd October. The scheme and other details are available here

Commercial Radio Licensing: Expressions of Interest – Update

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 11th September 2012, announced that it has received 12 expressions of interest in response to its invitation for such expressions as advertised on 12th July 2012 for twelve local sound broadcasting services. One expression of interest was received for each service.  The Contract Awards Committee of the … Continued

JNLR Results July 2011 – June 2012 published

The latest JNLR/Ipsos MRBI report into radio listening has been published today 26th July 2012. It covers the 12 month period from July 2011 to June 2012 On behalf of the JNLR Committee, a media release and summary information tables are available for download here Please note: Media queries regarding individual programme or station performance … Continued

BAI Statement on the media interests of Mr. Denis O’Brien

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 26th July 2012, outlined its position regarding the media interests of Mr. Denis O’Brien in the context of the BAI’s Ownership and Control Policy (2012) (“Policy”) pursuant to the BAI’s obligations under the Broadcasting Act 2009 (“2009 Act”). Mr. O’Brien’s company Communicorp controls, and/or has substantial interests … Continued

Sound & Vision II: Round 14 funding decisions released

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 25th July 2012, announced funding decisions from the latest round of Sound & Vision II. Round 14 of the Scheme accepted applications for both TV and Radio projects and a total of 214 applications requesting €11.6 million were received. A total of €4.5 million has been offered … Continued

Commercial Radio Licensing: Expressions of Interest – July 2012

In accordance with Section 65 (6) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the Contract Awards Committee of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“the BAI”) invites expressions of interest from parties interested in securing a sound broadcasting contract (“Contract”) on the FM band for the services outlined in the notice located at the link below. Interested parties should … Continued

Radio Licensing: BAI signs contract with Spirit Radio

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has signed a sound broadcasting contract with Spirit Radio Limited (trading as Spirit Radio) for the provision of a quasi-national Christian and religious radio service on the AM band with low-power FM transmitter stations. Spirit Radio has been on air since December 2010 by means of an initial contract … Continued

BAI finalises Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012/2013

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has published its Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012-2013. The Authority is required by the Broadcasting Act, 2009 to produce plans that set out the number, nature and scope of broadcasting contracts that it proposes to enter into over a given period (on the recommendation of the Contract Awards Committee). … Continued

Sound & Vision II: recently signed funding contracts

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has recently signed contracts with 12 independent producers and six radio stations that were awarded production funding to make TV or Radio programmes in recent rounds of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme – Sound & Vision II. The Scheme was established to provide funding support to enable the production of … Continued

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) Moratorium on Referendum Coverage

The BAI is today reminding broadcasters that a moratorium on coverage of the referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Co-operation and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union comes into effect from 2pm on Wednesday 30th May. The moratorium will remain in effect until 10pm on Thursday 31st May, when polling stations close. During this period, … Continued

BAI publishes new Access Rules on Subtitling, Sign Language and Audio Description

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (14.05.2012) published new rules to govern the level of subtitling, sign language and audio description that Irish television broadcasters must offer to the public. The new rules will update the current Access Rules in place since 2005. The BAI Access Rules aim to make television more enjoyable … Continued

BAI publishes Statement of Findings and Report of Investigating Officer

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 4th May 2012, issued a Statement of Findings and the Report of the Investigator on an investigation pursuant to Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Download the: BAI Statement of Findings Download the: Report of the Investigating Officer

JNLR Results April 2011 – March 2012 published

The latest JNLR/Ipsos MRBI report into radio listening has been published today (3rd May 2012). It covers the 12 month period from April 2011- March 2012. On behalf of the JNLR Committee, a media release and summary information tables are available for download here. Please note: Media Queries regarding individual programme or station performance should … Continued

Broadcasting Funding Scheme update: 21 BAI funded projects commence production

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has recently signed contracts with a number of independent producers and broadcasters that were awarded production funding to make TV or Radio programmes through the Broadcasting Funding Scheme – Sound & Vision II. The Broadcasting Funding Scheme – Sound & Vision II  was established to provide funding in support … Continued

BAI signs contract with S.O.S. Kilkenny “Dreamtime Radio”

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) today, 30th April 2012, signed a 5-year Institutional Sound Broadcasting Contract with S.O.S. Kilkenny Limited. S.O.S. Kilkenny Ltd. is a registered charity that provides lifetime services to adults with intellectual disabilities at its campus on Callan Road, Kilkenny. The new radio station “Dreamtime Radio” will broadcast for 6 hours … Continued

BAI highlights Referendum coverage requirements

In advance of the forthcoming referendum scheduled to take place on 31st May 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has written to all broadcasters reminding them that the BAI Code on Referenda and Election Coverage applies to all reporting on the referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Co-operation and Governance in the Economic and … Continued

BAI publishes Ownership and Control Policy (2012)

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) today, 26th April 2012, published the BAI Ownership and Control Policy (2012). This replaces the current policy which was operational from 2010. The policy has been updated to reflect the legislative provisions contained in the Broadcasting Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”) and the contents of the BAI Strategy Statement … Continued

BAI launches 2012 Community Broadcasting Support Scheme

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today (5th April) launched its Community Broadcasting Support Scheme 2012. This Scheme is open to licensed community and community of interest radio and television stations.  The aim of the Scheme is to award funding grants which enable community broadcasters to evaluate and review the operation and effectiveness of … Continued

BAI launches Sectoral Learning and Development Policy

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) today, 4th April 2012, launched the BAI Sectoral Learning and Development Policy. This important document sets out a framework by which the BAI can engage with the broadcasting sector to help identify and address its various learning and development needs. The Policy, which has been developed in consultation with … Continued

BAI allocates €4.42million towards the production of television and radio programmes

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 3rd April 2012, announced funding decisions from Round 13 of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. Round 13 of the Scheme accepted applications for both TV and Radio projects and a total of 163 applications were received. A total of €4.42 million has been offered to broadcasters and independent … Continued

BAI launches consultation on Draft General and Children’s Commercial Communications Codes

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (30th March) launched a public consultation on a new Draft Children’s Commercial Communications Code and a new Draft General Commercial Communications Code. Under existing rules, commercial communications which are of particular interest to children or those broadcast during children’s programmes, are required to be responsible in their … Continued

Seven BAI funded projects commence production

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has recently signed contracts with a number of producers that have been awarded production funding to make TV or Radio programmes through the BAI’s Broadcasting Funding Scheme – Sound & Vision II. The Broadcasting Funding Scheme was established to provide funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish … Continued

BAI publishes Broadcasting Services Strategy and opens consultation on commercial radio licensing plan

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 21st March 2012, published the Broadcasting Services Strategy and commenced a consultation on the current make up of the commercial radio franchise areas in the State. Broadcasting Services Strategy The Broadcasting Services Strategy outlines the Authority’s vision for the optimum mix of broadcasting services in Ireland and … Continued

BAI announces plans to launch draft code on advertising of food and drink to children

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (15th March) announced that it will launch a public consultation at the end of March on rules governing how food and drink should be commercially promoted to children in the broadcast media. The rules will be included in the draft revised BAI Children’s Commercial Communications Code. The … Continued

BAI Compliance Committee Meeting 13th March 2012

BAI COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 13th March 2012: PRIME TIME INVESTIGATES ‘MISSION TO PREY’ THE FRONTLINE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE Prime Time Investigates ‘Mission to Prey’ In December 2011, the BAI Compliance Committee launched an investigation into RTÉ’s Prime Time Investigates programme, ‘Mission to Prey’, broadcast on 23rd May 2011. The investigation was undertaken by the BAI appointed … Continued

BAI signs contract with West Limerick Community Radio

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 15th February 2012, signed a sound broadcasting contract with WLCR FM Limited trading as West Limerick Community Radio. Today’s contract signing marks the second licence for the broadcaster. The station has been on air since 2005 and broadcasts a wide range of programmes to communities in West … Continued

JNLR Jan 2011-Dec 2011 Survey results released

The latest JNLR/Ipsos MRBI report into radio listening has been published today (2nd February 2012). It covers the 12-month period from January 2011 to December 2011. On behalf of the JNLR Committee, a press release and summary information tables is available for download here Please note: Media Queries regarding individual programme or station performance should … Continued

BAI launches consultation on draft code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs Programming

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today (1st February 2012) launched a public consultation on a Draft Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs. The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires that broadcasters ensure that all news broadcast is reported and presented in an objective and impartial manner without any expression of … Continued

Broadcast Archiving Scheme is approved

A new funding scheme developed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) to support the archiving of broadcast material has been approved by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD. The aim of the Broadcast Archiving Scheme is to encourage and support the development of an archiving culture in the Irish … Continued

BAI allocates €962k to the production of radio programmes

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 24th January 2012, announced funding decisions for Round 12 (Radio) of The Broadcasting Funding Scheme. Grants totaling €962,000 have been offered to 99 projects to be broadcast on a mix of commercial, community and public service radio stations across the country. All of the projects will explore … Continued

Reminder: Access Rules Consultation closes on 24th January

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (4th January 2012) issued a reminder that there is less than three weeks left to engage with the public consultation on proposed new rules to govern the level of subtitling, sign language and audio description that Irish television broadcasters must offer to the public. The new rules … Continued