In advance of the two referenda to be held in May 2015,the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today published its updated ‘Guidelines in Respect of Coverage of Referenda’.

The Guidelines provide direction and advice to broadcasters as to how fairness, objectivity and impartiality can be achieved in their coverage of the forthcoming referenda on marriage and on the age of presidential candidates.

They have immediate effect and include a number of requirements that broadcasters must comply with when covering the referenda. These include a prohibition on political advertising, requirements on the transmission of any party political broadcasts and the obligation to carry announcements made on behalf of the Referendum Commission.

The Guidelines also address considerations such as the use of opinion polls, on-air contributions via social media and a prohibition on presenters encouraging listeners or viewers to vote in support of, or against, a particular outcome in the referenda.

As with previous guidelines, compliance with a moratorium on referenda coverage will come into effect from 2pm on the day prior to the opening of polling stations and will end following the close of polling stations on the day of the ballot. 

The Guidelines also encourage broadcasters to put an emphasis on the issues that the public must decide upon rather than taking an approach that is limited to ensuring the various referenda interests receive equitable airtime.

Speaking about the publication of the guidelines on Lunchtime today, Michael O’ Keeffe stated there's a requirement for fairness on both sides of the debate: