Dundalk FM General Election 2020 Guidelines for Presenters
The BAI Guidelines will apply from 16th January 2020 until the closing of polling stations on 8th February 2020.
The main points of Rule 27 to consider are
- All presenters will be made aware that news and current affairs is presented in a fair and impartial manner without any expression of the broadcaster’s own views.
- Broadcast content must not display bias in favour of, or against, any election interest, including parties or candidates.
- Endorsements on-air by a broadcaster of election interests, including candidates or parties are not permitted.
- It is not appropriate for persons involved with election interests to present programmes during the election campaign period.
- Comments made off line have the potential to undermine the perceived impartiality of our coverage.
Advertising
We do not advertise election events, notices regarding meetings or other events being organised by election interests either as paid ads or Community Notices.
Advice
Advice may be sought anytime via election@bai.ie or by phone 01 644 1200.
Background Information
A folder entitled ‘Election 2020 ‘ has been created in the E Drive. It contains the BAI Guidelines and a record of our coverage.
Communications
This document will be displayed in the Reception, Production Studio, Main Studio and Canteen area and volunteers and staff will be sent a link to the documents which will be saved to our website.
Complaints
Complaints will be handled according to our Complaints Code which is available on www.dundalkfm.com.
Conflict of Interest
Staff and volunteers will be asked if they have a conflict of interest. This means that if you are canvassing or promoting a candidate (even online) then it is advisable to stand down from programming until after the election. The Programme Committee will decide on a case by case basis on appropriate arrangements.
Moratorium
The Dundalk FM moratorium is from 10am on Friday 7th February 2020 until 10pm on Saturday 8th February 2020.
Opinion Polls
A presenter must give information such as the date the poll was taken, who commissioned and paid for the poll, who conducted it and the number of people polled.
Party Political Broadcasts
Dundalk FM will not transmit any party political broadcasts.
Programming
Election Coverage will feature as part of our Current Affairs shows – Town Talk (Marissa Lucchesi) and on The Brunch (Cathal McCooey). Don’t cover the Election unless you run it by the manager or a member of staff in advance. A record of contributors, time on air, topics of conversations will be recorded on Running Orders and a Summary Sheet.
Social Media
Presenters should aim to become a trusted source of information. Post meaningful, respectful comments — in other words, please, no spam and no remarks that are off-topic or offensive.
