Good intentions: Broadcasting guidelines
The Broadcasting Authority issued guidelines yesterday on how broadcasters might approach the campaign around the referendum on the Eighth Amendment.
The BAI, recognising the reality of the situation, suggested that broadcasters do not have to maintain stopwatch precision in terms of time allocated to opposing voices during the eight-week period before a vote.
The agency suggested fairness, objectivity, and impartiality can be achieved by including all views.
It would not be surprising if that well-intentioned suggestion became another battleground in the looming conflict.
It also seems fair to suggest that these guidelines are as relevant as any new rules an Irish harbour master might draw up governing how tea clippers approach their moorings during the hours of darkness.
The reality is that social media, in all its free-for-all dishonesty, is the relevant forum in this debate.
It is utterly uncontrolled which, despite initial idealism and ambition, has shown it to be an enemy of democracy.
Prepare to be appalled no matter what your view on the core issue may be.
