Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the BAI’s code on fairness, objectivity and impartiality in news and current affairs, anyone who has made a complaint to the BAI about news coverage has described to me the process as being utterly tortuous, cumbersome and unreasonable. Another issue which has been raised by others, most particularly the National Womens Council of Ireland, is the absolute lack of women - their virtual invisibility - in current affairs broadcasting. A study was done on this which I am sure the BAI has seen. I cannot understand why the code on fairness, objectivity and impartiality could not have included diversity. The BAI needs to have this in its sights. It must be more than just saying things. While words can be positive and worthy, something needs to be done to balance up the interests of all of the democratic values which the BAI is charged with defending and safeguarding.