Broadcast watchdog considers report on 'Prime Time' defamation of priest

THE OUTCOME of an investigation into the RTÉ Prime Time Investigates programme Mission to Prey is to be considered by the broadcasting watchdog next week.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has scheduled a special meeting for early in the week to begin consideration of the findings of investigating officer Anna Carragher.

Ms Carragher, a former senior executive with the BBC in Northern Ireland, investigated the circumstances of Prime Time’s defamatory broadcast that accused Co Galway priest Fr Kevin Reynolds of statutory rape and of fathering a child while he was a missionary priest in Africa. A paternity test established there was no basis for the allegation.

Her report and recommendations were submitted to the compliance committee of the authority last week. It was accepted by them but must go to the full authority for approval.

A spokeswoman for the authority said yesterday that next week’s meeting was to consider the report and recommendations. She emphasised that the meeting was a “commencement” one.

Given the extensive considerations set out in the Broadcasting Act, the authority might not be in a position to publish the findings, if it decides on that course of action, next week, she said.

Another possible date for publication is after a scheduled meeting of the authority in early April.

“The authority will be cognisant of all of its legal requirements and obligations before it makes any public statement in relation to the investigation and matters arising,” said the spokeswoman.

The investigation into the Prime Time programme began last December. Ms Carragher was asked whether the broadcast had breached provisions of the Broadcasting Act, upholding fairness, objectivity and impartiality, and protecting the individual from unreasonable encroachment of privacy.

Given the extensive nature of the investigation, which examined the role played at all levels of seniority in the news and current affairs department, it is expected the report will be lengthy.

It is one of three matters which have been, or continue to be, investigated by the watchdog.

It has also considered a complaint about an item on the Pat Kenny radio show regarding a biography of Bertie Ahern by Irish Times journalist Colm Keena. The complainant contended the broadcast was one-sided and not impartial. The findings of this investigation have not yet been published.

The authority has also asked RTÉ to report to it on fresh allegations surrounding the Frontline presidential debate last October.

Earlier this month, defeated candidate Seán Gallagher sent a written complaint to Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte following a Sunday newspaper report alleging audience manipulation.