Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Poll: Should the broadcast ban on the day of elections and referendums be scrapped?

It’s been claimed that the electoral broadcast moratorium is out-dated.

THE VOTES HAVE been counted and the results are in for last week’s two referendums.

There are plenty of talking points around the two results themselves, but another related discussion that’s gaining traction is whether the so-called broadcast moratorium is still fit for purpose.

Guidelines issued by Comisiún na Meán ahead of elections and referendums state that broadcast coverage of votes cannot take place from 2pm the day before polls open until voting closes at 10pm.

The ban only applies to TV and radio stations; newspapers and online news publications are free to cover the votes as they like, while anyone is allowed to say anything about the referendums on social media too.

The intention of the moratorium, which has been in place for decades, is to allow people the space to think about what they’re voting on without having to deal with new arguments or developments at the 11th hour.

But in the age of online news, the disparity between what broadcasters are allowed to cover and what can be reported by online outlets and on social media has led to questions about whether the moratorium is still fit for purpose.

Today we’re asking: Should the broadcast moratorium for elections and referendums be scrapped?


Poll Results:

No, and it should be extended to all outlets (2446)
No, leave it as it is (2433)
Yes, there should be no ban at all (2027)
I don't know/No opinion (300)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
33 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Miriam
    Favourite Miriam
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 4:12 PM

    Safe home X

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hans Vos
    Favourite Hans Vos
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 4:22 PM

    @Miriam: good.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spot the d0g
    Favourite Spot the d0g
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 6:24 PM

    @Hans Vos: think that’s a good will wish and not a statement??

    15
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hans Vos
    Favourite Hans Vos
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 7:46 PM

    @Spot the d0g: good that she is safe home.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Cork
    Favourite Colm Cork
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 8:59 PM

    @Hans Vos: As with what spot the dog said, I think it is a good will statement rather than the girl actually being home unfortunately

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ed
    Favourite Ed
    Report
    Feb 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    @Hans Vos: Are you trolling?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Christoper Mc Garth
    Favourite Anthony Christoper Mc Garth
    Report
    Mar 1st 2020, 5:03 PM

    @Hans Vos: Hans ya trolley ya!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Christoper Mc Garth
    Favourite Anthony Christoper Mc Garth
    Report
    Mar 1st 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Miriam: Thanks Miriam I’m back safe X

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds