For the sake of liberty get your hands off our media
Editorial instructions by the commission to independent radio stations not to cover selected stories before the local and European elections amounts to censorship.
The ostensible independence of the commission is nothing more than a facade, with government appointees as its foundation. The commission was not set up as a ministry of truth to police independent radio stations during sensitive political circumstances.
It's also disturbing that huge differentials in attitude seem to exist between RTÉ and its other licensees. The commission is noticeably apathetic towards complaints made against RTÉ, dismissing 99% of complaints relating to the impartiality of its broadcasts.
The claim is often made that the freedom of the press and general media is the guarantee that were living in a democracy. This theory cannot prevail while the BCI looks over the shoulder of broadcasters while they work.
The public have a right to a fully transparent and independent commission, without interfering with the day-to-day decisions of the media.
Maurice Fitzgerald,
Shanbally,
Ringaskiddy,
Co Cork.
