Effective date announced for Guidelines around Seanad General Election coverage 

Coimisiún na Meán has today (15.01.2025) announced the effective date for the application of its Guidelines in relation to coverage of the 2025 Seanad General Election. The guidelines come into effect from today and will remain in effect until 11.00am on 30th January 2025. 

Having regard to the nature of the Seanad General Election, not all the provisions set out in the guidelines may be relevant to coverage by a broadcaster. For example, the additional measures during the ‘Critical Election Period’, set out at Section 11, are not considered by An Coimisiún to be relevant as ballots are cast by post. In this context, as it is appropriate that decisions in respect of editorial coverage rest solely with broadcasters, it is a matter for each broadcaster to determine the most appropriate approach to coverage having regard to whether their service will cover the election and the extent and type of this coverage. 

Further to Section 13 of the Guidelines, Coimisiún na Meán can provide additional guidance on the practical application of the Guidelines. Requests should be emailed to election@cnam.ie   

• The Guidelines in Respect of Coverage of Election are available for download in English and Irish. 
• The Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs is available to download in English and Irish.