A long-standing ban on broadcasters broadcasting any information that could influence an election between 2 p.m. the day before polling day and until after polling stations close will be removed, the media watchdog said. communications.

Coimisiún na Meán has confirmed that the broadcast moratorium, in force since 1997, is being replaced by a so-called additional precaution requirement for broadcasters.

The new requirement will be in effect for the 24 hours before the polls open and during the voting period.

It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that they believe, or have reason to believe, was broadcast with the intent to mislead or sow confusion among voters or which are likely to induce or sow confusion among voters.”

It said implementing this additional caution requirement would be “at the broadcaster’s editorial discretion”.

This may lead broadcasters to refute or correct misconceptions arising from misleading information.

The commission’s rules also state that broadcasters must take extra precautions to “ensure that opinions expressed by program contributors do not interfere with the electoral process by making a false or misleading statement regarding election procedures.”

In the guidelines to be published shortly after the election date is confirmed, broadcasters are also asked not to report on opinion polls or exit polls during voting hours.

The decision follows a review of the moratorium carried out by the commission which included an examination of periods of electoral silence in other countries, an attitude survey carried out with Ipsos B&A and a public consultation.

“During election periods, broadcasters across Ireland play a crucial role in informing the public about the issues and candidates involved in the election campaign,” said Aoife MacEvilly, Commissioner for Broadcasting and Video on Demand. from Coimisiún na Meán.

She said her research highlighted how trust in news remains high in Ireland compared to other countries, adding that the commission recognizes “the trust that Irish viewers and listeners place in broadcasters and our approach to the moratorium reflects the changing Irish media landscape.

She added that elections and electoral integrity are a major priority for Coimisiún na Meán this year.

“Alongside this new approach of extra care for broadcasters, once an election date is confirmed, we will publish information for election candidates about our role in broadcasting regulation and security in online, and how we can help them, alongside our guidelines for broadcasters.

She said the commission would also work with online platforms in their preparations for the elections, “to ensure that they play their part in maintaining electoral integrity and that citizens across Ireland can do free, fair and informed choices about where to vote. ”