Ireland

Coimisiún na Meán has published new guidelines for broadcast coverage of the upcoming Presidential Election in Ireland.
The Guidelines in Respect of Broadcast Coverage of Electoral Events confirm that the long-standing Broadcast Moratorium has been replaced with an Additional Care Requirement, first introduced last year. This rule applies during the Critical Election Period, which begins at 7am on the day before polling and ends when polls close, usually at 10pm.
During this period, broadcasters must exercise a higher level of editorial care. They are still permitted to cover candidates, issues and breaking news, but they must ensure reporting meets the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs. Broadcasters cannot report on opinion polls, exit polls or speculate on outcomes while polling is taking place.
Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said the rules were designed to safeguard democracy and maintain public trust. She explained that broadcasters play a crucial role in providing voters with fair and impartial information so that they can make informed choices.
The guidelines also reiterate that candidates are not allowed to present programmes during the election campaign period. If a show has been recorded before the campaign but scheduled to air during it, broadcasters must decide on a case-by-case basis whether it is appropriate to broadcast. However, news and current affairs programmes fronted by candidates are not permitted.
Other requirements include fair allocation of airtime between candidates, a ban on political advertising, and clear procedures for managing live contributions from social media. Broadcasters are also advised to mitigate the risks of disinformation, including content generated by artificial intelligence such as deepfakes.
The new guidelines take effect on Monday 22nd September. […]

Bauer Media Audio Ireland has appointed Nathan Murphy as the new Managing Editor of Today FM.
He starts the role in October following a recruitment process, and the departure of Fyona Smith who has been in in the position since December 2022.
Nathan began his career as a sports reporter at the station in 2006 before joining Off The Ball, where he became Deputy Editor and Head of Content as well as one of Ireland’s most recognisable sports broadcasters.
He has played a major role in Off The Ball’s expansion across radio, digital audio and video, and now brings this experience back to national radio with Today FM. He will lead the station’s audience growth strategy and oversee its programming direction.
Speaking about his appointment, Nathan said: “I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to return to Today FM and lead such a brilliantly talented and creative team. I’ve remained an avid listener over the past decade and look forward to building on Today FM’s unique connection with Irish radio listeners.”
Bauer Media Audio Ireland CEO Chris Doyle added: “His breadth of experience, coupled with his innate understanding of Irish audiences and his ability to identify and nurture talent are key attributes he brings to this important role. Nathan will lead a passionate team, both in front of and behind the mic.”
Nathan will take up his new role in October.

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RTÉ is heading back to the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore from 16th to 18th September with three days of live radio and entertainment.
Across the event, audiences will be able to see RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ Gold programmes broadcast live from the RTÉ tent, alongside podcast recordings, music, news, weather and family-friendly activities.
On Tuesday, the schedule includes Oliver Callan on Radio 1, The Louise Duffy Show, and The Ray D’Arcy Show, plus a live recording of the Behind the Story podcast with David McCullagh, Katie Hannon and Fran McNulty. RTÉ’s Six One News and Weather will also be live from the site.
Wednesday will feature Morning Ireland on Radio 1, a Will Leahy special on RTÉ Gold, and 2fm Drive with Doireann Garrihy. Visitors will also be able to meet the Home Rescue team Dee Coleman, Peter Finn and Aidan Gately.
Thursday’s programme includes Laura Fox with 2fm Morning, Philip Boucher Hayes pre-recording Countrywide, and a Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott tribute performance from Peter M. Smith and Black Rose DC.
Throughout the three days, fans of The Traitors Ireland can take photos wearing a cloak from the series, while the Late Late Show owl will also be making an appearance. Ireland’s Fittest Family will host a Hang Tough Challenge with referee Paul O’Donovan, and the RTÉ weather team will present live updates from the showground. […]

Commercial radio stations across Ireland are set to benefit from a new €3 million fund dedicated to strengthening news reporting.
The funding is part of a wider €10 million package announced by Coimisiún na Meán, which has opened applications for three journalism schemes, including the new News Reporting Scheme.
A total of €4 million will be made available under the scheme, with €3 million ring-fenced for commercial radio broadcasters. The allocation was made by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, who said the funding recognises the important role radio plays in delivering trusted, high-quality news.
The scheme is being launched on a pilot basis and will be reviewed after one year. It will support the creation of public interest journalism on a platform-neutral basis, focusing on issues under-represented in current news coverage such as rural affairs, transport, sustainability, marginalised groups, social and cultural topics, and the impact of public policy.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said the organisation is committed to supporting “a media landscape that is sustainable, pluralistic, and participative, and one that consumers can trust”.
Applications for the News Reporting Scheme can be submitted by regulated news and current affairs service providers, or by freelance journalists working with a regulated outlet.
Alongside the new initiative, €6 million has also been made available under round two of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes. The first round of these schemes, launched last year, supported the creation of more than one hundred new journalism roles.
Minister O’Donovan said the new funding would “enable media outlets to report on news topics that are not substantially covered at present” and enhance coverage of local authorities and the courts. He added: “Commercial radio stations play an invaluable role in community engagement, cohesion and the promotion of social inclusion across the country and provide a crucial public service in the delivery of trusted information.”
Coimisiún na Meán expects applications from both national and regional outlets, with the aim of strengthening news provision for audiences across Ireland. […]

Well-known radio presenters gathered at Dublin’s Mansion House on Friday evening for a simultaneous Europe-wide event to mark Bauer Media’s 150th anniversary and link up with 12,000 colleagues in other markets.

The celebration brought together Bauer Media Audio Ireland and Bauer Media Outdoor, drawing around 350 staff to Dublin, with a live video connection to employees across the UK, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Hamburg.
Ray Foley of Today FM and Ciara Kelly of Newstalk who took to the stage and welcome guests both in Dublin and also to send best wishes via a video link to those attending parties simultaneously in the UK, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Bauer headquarters in Hamburg
Among those spotted at the Dublin event were Jack Keating, Ian Dempsey, Ciara Doherty, Andrea Gilligan, Emma Nolan, Pat Kenny ,Matt Cooper, Louise Cantillon,Paula MacCarthy,Henry McKean and Alison Curtis as well as Brendan O ‘Loughlin and Rebecca Shekleton.
Founded in 1875 in Hamburg, Bauer has grown from a family-run publisher into one of Europe’s largest commercial media companies, operating radio, publishing and out-of-home businesses across multiple markets.
Ciara Kelly and Ray Foley pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Russell Alford, Rebecca Shekleton,Brendan O Loughlin and Leanne Hanafin pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Jack Keating pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Jack Keating and Andrea Gilligan pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Andrea Gilligan and her team pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Claire Beck, Pat Kenny and Andrea Gilligan pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy

Shane Coleman and Roisin Reilly pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Ciara Kely and Ray Foley pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Tanya O Sullivan and Grainne Murnane pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Eimear Bradley Pat Kenny and Claire Darmody pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Fionnuala Corbett ,Martin Guilfoyle and Paul Byrne pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Shonagh Lyons and Niall Power pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Presenters Ciara Kelly and Andrea Gilligan pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Radio presenters Shonagh Lyons and Pat Kenny pictured celebrating at the 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Ciara Doherty pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Presenters Ciara Kelly and Andrea Gilligan pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Presenters Ray Foley and Ciara Kelly pictured as they prepared to go live across Europe to celebrate 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Presenters Ray Foley and Ciara Kelly pictured as they went live across Europe to celebrate 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Louise Cantillon pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Chris Doyle pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Paula MacSweeney pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Emma Nolan pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman pictured celebrating 150 years of Bauer Media at the Mansion House,Dublin.Picture Brian McEvoy

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