A ban that prevented Irish broadcasters airing any information that could influence an election from the day before polling has been scrapped.
Media regulator Coimisiun na Mean announced it was ending the broadcast moratorium and replacing it with a requirement for TV and radio stations to take “additional care” in the period prior to voting day and throughout the day itself.
The moratorium, which had been in place since 1997, came into effect at 2pm on the day before an election and lifted when polling stations closed.
It effectively resulted in TV and radio stations steering clear of final campaigning activities for much of the day before the election.
The new additional care requirement will be in operation for the forthcoming Irish general election, which is widely expected to be announced next week ahead of a likely poll day at the end of November.
The requirement will be in operation in the 24-hour period before polling stations open until the end of voting.
The broadcast and online regulator said during this critical election period, news outlets should treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters, or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.
It said the implementation of the additional care requirement is at the editorial discretion of the broadcaster and may include the outlets rebutting or correcting misconceptions arising from misleading information.
Announcing the move, Coimisiun na Mean’s broadcasting and video-on-demand commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said: “A media landscape that supports democracy and democratic values, underpins civic discourse and reduces the impact of disinformation is a priority for Coimisiun na Mean.
“During election periods, broadcasters across Ireland play a crucial role in informing the public about the issues and candidates involved in the election campaign.
“The annual Reuters digital news report, which was published in June and is funded by Coimisiun na Mean, found that trust in news remains high in Ireland compared to other countries. We recognise the trust that Irish viewers and listeners place in broadcasters, and our approach to the moratorium reflects Ireland’s changing media landscape.
“Elections and electoral integrity are a key focus for us at Coimisiun na Mean this year. Alongside this new additional care approach for broadcasters, once the date of an election is confirmed we will be publishing information for electoral candidates on our role in relation to broadcasting and online safety regulation, and how we can help them, alongside our guidelines for broadcasters.
“We will also engage with online platforms on their preparations for the elections, to ensure that they play their part in upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that people across Ireland can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote.’’