BAI Fairness Code - what radio stations need to know and do.

Course Aims

The BAI Fairness Code has applied to all radio stations since July, 2013. Despite this, we have observed a very low level of awareness in stations of the requirement, under that Code, for certain written protocols to be in place in each station addressing a range of matters connected with news and current affairs coverage (e.g sourcing on-air content on social media, avoiding conflict of interest in on-air coverage of topics).
A template protocol for stations was devised by this firm in 2014 for delivery to stations in the context of a dedicated seminar. To date the uptake on this seminar has been slow. However, we believe that a growing awareness of the regulatory obligation to have such protocols in place will encourage subscription to this course, which has been re-structured in the Course Objectives above to focus almost exclusively on the Fairness Code.

Course Brief

The BAI Fairness Code has applied to all radio stations since July, 2013. Despite this, we have observed a very low level of awareness in stations of the requirement, under that Code, for certain written protocols to be in place in each station addressing a range of matters connected with news and current affairs coverage (e.g sourcing on-air content on social media, avoiding conflict of interest in on-air coverage of topics).


A template protocol for stations was devised by this firm in 2014 for delivery to stations in the context of a dedicated seminar. To date the uptake on this seminar has been slow. However, we believe that a growing awareness of the regulatory obligation to have such protocols in place will encourage subscription to this course, which has been re-structured in the Course Objectives above to focus almost exclusively on the Fairness Code.

Course Content

The course will familiarise trainees with;

  • the statutory basis for regulation of broadcast content by the BAI under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act, 2009;
  • BAI compliance, complaints and investigation mechanisms;
  • the four statutory Codes and relevant Guidelines currently published by the BAI;
  • the provisions and requirements of the BAI Code on Fairness, Impartiality and Objectivity in News and Current Affairs Coverage

 

Training Method

The course comprises a half-day seminar (x3 hours) during which a slide presentation and discussion with the group will take place covering the topics outlines in Course Objectives above. This course will be of relevance to all broadcasting personnel

Who is this content for?

The course will familiarise trainees with;

  • the statutory basis for regulation of broadcast content by the BAI under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act, 2009;
  • BAI compliance, complaints and investigation mechanisms;
  • the four statutory Codes and relevant Guidelines currently published by the BAI;
  • the provisions and requirements of the BAI Code on Fairness, Impartiality and Objectivity in News and Current Affairs Coverage (

  • Training Method

    The course comprises a half-day seminar (x3 hours) during which a slide presentation and discussion with the group will take place covering the topics outlines in Course Objectives above.