Record number of complaints over Lenihan coverage

TV3’S controversial coverage of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s cancer diagnosis has received one of the highest number of complaints in national broadcasting history.

Some 86 complaints have been lodged with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) over how the station revealed the minister’s health battle.

TV3 has repeatedly defended its St Stephen’s Day coverage by insisting the Finance Minister’s health is a matter of public interest.

However, despite the defence, the BAI has confirmed the “sizeable amount” of complaints were lodged before Monday’s deadline, with a spokesperson confirming the figure is likely to be one of the highest in the broadcasting watchdog’s history.

An independent TV and radio complaints organisation has been in operation in Ireland since 1978, when the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC) was developed under the Department of Finance.

In 2001, it became a separate entity, and last year it was renamed the BAI.

News of the record number of complaints emerged as the BAI released its latest batch of decisions on controversial broadcasts.

A total of 27 complaints were made against 10 programmes between July and October last year, 13 of were upheld by the BAI.

At the top of the list was controversial late-night TV3 phone-in competition Play TV, which asks those taking part to call a premium phone line to answer quiz questions and win potential cash prizes.

The BAI ruled in favour of 10 of the 12 complaints relating to the show.

One participant told the broadcasting watchdog he was blocked from receiving a €2,200 prize after his correct answer was deemed inaccurate.

The show has been under intense public scrutiny for over six months after one caller was sent a bill for €370 linked to calls to the programme.

Three remaining criticisms upheld by the BAI related to Newstalk radio show The Wide Angle’s “bias” coverage in favour of a Lisbon yes vote.

Among the complaints rejected by the watchdog included correspondence from James Gantley, who argued that RTÉ’s Liveline unfairly repeated claims he was involved in drug dealing.

The ex-criminal insisted he was encouraged to appear on the show to speak about his new play before the allegations were made.

The complaint was rejected by the BAI.