Minister to ease rules on broadcasting of ‘offensive’ comments

TV and radio stations may be less likely to face sanctions in future under the Broadcasting Act for remarks made on air.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has indicated that he favours relaxing current strict guidelines which deem “offensive” comments culpable and replace them with sanctions that only apply to remarks causing either “undue” or “grave” offence.

Mr Rabbitte said, under 2009 broadcasting legislation, the current test to determine when not to broadcast an item or opinion may be too rigid.