The new BAI Right of Reply Scheme will come into effect from Wednesday, May 4th and will provide for the broadcast of a Right of Reply Statement that will allow individuals to put right incorrect information which has been broadcast and which has resulted in a person’s honour or reputation being impugned.
The Scheme details the process for exercising a right of reply and outlines the manner in which the public can utilise this process. The BAI has developed the Scheme further to the requirements of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 with the intention of providing an opportunity for a person to exercise their right to the correction of incorrect information without having to turn to legal proceedings which would prove time-consuming and costly.
The instructions in the documents explain that all broadcasters are required to include on their website a copy of the Scheme and information about the contact person to whom requests for a Right of Reply may be made. Requests for a Right of Reply should be made to the broadcaster using this information and, should the broadcaster refuse any requests, they will be reviewed by the BAI’s Compliance Committee.
Exercising a Right or reply is free of charge and will apply to all broadcasters regulated in the Republic of Ireland. It does not apply to broadcasters licensed in other countries, but widely received here, for example the BBC services, Channel 4, or Sky 1.
In welcoming the publication of the Scheme, the BAI’s Chief Executive Michael O’ Keeffe detailed the key role of the scheme, saying: “A Right of Reply is about the correction of incorrect facts or information. However, the Scheme does not provide for the broadcast of an alternative or contrary opinion. In other words, a person may not be satisfied with the manner in which a broadcaster has relayed information about him/her, but a Right of Reply will not be granted unless the facts or information are factually incorrect such that their honour or reputation has been impugned.”
- To access a copy of the Right of Reply Scheme click here
