Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has commenced its first investigations into two radio stations over alleged breaches of broadcasting rules.
The watchdog announced separate probes into Tipp FM and Wexford-based South East Radio on Monday following complaints regarding morning current affairs broadcasts aired in 2024. Formed after media legislation changed in 2022, Coimisiún na Meán has also conducted investigations into online platforms such as Meta, X and TikTok.
The investigations will assess suspected contraventions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the broadcasting code of practice. These codes govern fairness, objectivity, and impartiality in news and current affairs programming.
The investigation into Tipp FM centers on an August 2024 segment of the station’s Tipp Today show, where a listener’s letter concerning men cutting rhododendron flowers in the woods was read aloud. According to Coimisiún na Meán, a complainant alleged the broadcast lacked fairness, impartiality, and objectivity toward the men described.
The regulator is also examining whether the segment breached principles requiring respect for persons and groups in society alongside protection of the public interest. When contacted by reporters, Tipp FM stated it would continue to engage with the media commission while declining further public comment.
“The complainant alleges that the broadcast was not fair, impartial or objective to the men described in the letter,” the regulator noted in its published complaints listing.
South East Radio faces a separate regulatory review concerning broadcasts from December 2024 about former Wexford County Council chief executive Tom Enright. The complaint alleges a presenter was not impartial or balanced, and misquoted statements regarding an off-air incident.
Investigators will also determine whether the station infringed upon principle seven of the broadcasting code, which covers a right to privacy. Enright and South East Radio previously clashed in 2022 when the Standards in Public Office Commission found the then-council chief had threatened to withdraw station funding—findings Enright labeled flawed and disproportionate.
South East Radio was contacted for comment regarding the newly announced proceedings.
If either broadcaster is found in violation of statutory rules or regulatory codes, Coimisiún na Meán holds the authority to apply administrative financial sanctions. These penalties include fines of up to 10% of turnover or €20 million.
The formal investigations are scheduled to run over the coming months before any official findings or determinations are released.
What is Coimisiún na Meán?
Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s media regulator, formed after media legislation changed in 2022, with previous investigations handled by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
When did the disputed broadcasts air?
The broadcasts under investigation aired in August 2024 on Tipp FM and across a series of dates in December 2024 on South East Radio.
What fines can the regulator issue?
The watchdog can impose administrative financial sanctions including fines of up to 10% of turnover or €20 million.
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