Media watchdog to investigate two local radio stations over alleged breaches of programme standards

By Google News Investigations · 2026-11-09T19:00:00+01:00

Should either station be found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be punished with a fine of up to 10% of turnover or €20m, whichever is the larger figure.

Media regulator Coimisiún na Mean has announced separate investigations into two radio stations for alleged breaches of its codes of programme standards and fairness and impartiality in news delivery.

The formal investigations into Wexford-based South East Radio and Tipp FM, have been commenced on the back of complaints made via the commission's broadcasting and video-on-demand complaint process, it said.

South East Radio is to be investigated concerning potential breaches of the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs and the Broadcasting Act 2009.

It's understood the complaint relates to statements read out on the station's Morning Mix show on December 11, 13, and 14, 2024, "in relation to an off-air incident", when it is alleged the presenter in question "was not impartial or balanced, and misquoted statements".

It is believed the segments in question dealt to some extent with relations between former Wexford County Council chief executive Tom Enright and the radio station itself.

The two parties had been involved in a war of words for several years over the station's alleged unfair treatment of the council's operations from 2022 until Mr Enright's exit from the council after 10 years in February 2024.

South East Radio did not reply to a request for comment.

Tipp FM is separately to be investigated regarding possible breaches of Coimisiún na Mean's Code of Programme Standards as well as the fairness, objectivity and impartiality regulation.

That complaint stemmed from a segment on the Tipp Today show on August 12, 2024, where a letter from the public was read out in relation to men cutting rhododendron flowers in the woods, with the complaint alleging "the broadcast was not fair, impartial or objective to the men described in the letter".

Tipperary County Council spent roughly €250,000 tackling invasive species such as rhododendrons between 2020 and 2024.

The two regulations in question respectively prohibit the incitement to hatred and the promotion of views prejudicial to the protection of the environment, and ban the expression of a broadcaster's own views on a topic.

In a statement the station said: "The investigation into Tipp FM announced today is part of Coimisiún na Meán’s complaints process and is in respect of a broadcast on Tipp FM from August 2024. We look forward to continuing to engage with An Coimisiún and will be not making any further comment at this stage."

Should either station be found to be in violation of the regulations, they could be punished with a fine of up to 10% of turnover or €20m, whichever is the larger figure, via powers enabled under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022.

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Originally published by Google News Investigations