NUJ challenges BAI ‘Mooney Show’ ruling on same-sex marriage support
Secretary Séamus Dooley said the advisory note issued by the BAI following the determination “has implications for radio and television coverage of a wide range of current affairs issues”.
“It effectively seeks to ensure that discussions take place in an adversarial environment, with programme makers forced to seek out alternative spokespersons to preserve the concept of ‘balance’ normally associated with electoral and referendum coverage,” he said.
“This represents an extension of the guidelines in respect of coverage of referenda beyond the period of the referendum campaign in a manner which is inimical to the public interest.”
The slot was broadcast on January 20, when civil partnership figures for 2011 to 2013 were published.
Two guests, former news reader Michael Murphy and Tiernan Brady of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network were interviewed by Mr Mooney.
A complaint was then lodged with BAI by Dónal O’Sullivan-Latchford of the Family and Media Association, who said the guests and Mr Mooney “made several statements implicitly and explicitly supporting same-sex marriage”. The complainant said no voices were heard opposing it.
The BAI upheld this, saying that the discussion “constituted current affairs content on an issue that was of current public debate and controversy”. It said that while the referendum campaign was not under way, the requirements for fairness, objectivity, and impartiality were applicable.
