Moratorium on vote coverage will not be enforced

There will be no media blackout imposed on coverage of the Meath and Kildare by-elections in the 24 hours prior to the vote, it was announced today.

There will be no media blackout imposed on coverage of the Meath and Kildare by-elections in the 24 hours prior to the vote, it was announced today.

Traditionally, all broadcast media observe a moratorium on covering canvassing in the final day before voting opens in national polls, such as General and European elections and referendums.

However, the rule does not normally apply to by-elections.

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland decided at its latest board meeting that it would not be altering its policy and begin enforcing a moratorium for the upcoming votes, which take place on March 11th.

Policy states that moratoriums are observed to allow voters a period for reflection in the final stages of an election campaign. Under Section 9 of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, broadcast media organisations are obliged to ensure fairness and balance in the exposure given to all candidates and interested parties.