The Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC) has received many complaints about The Jerry Springer Show on TV3 and late-night discussion programmes on independent radio stations in Dublin, the commission chairman said yesterday.
Mr Conor Maguire SC said that, following directions from the IRTC, two radio stations introduced "revised guidelines for the treatment of matters of controversy". The level of complaints had reduced significantly.
He said complaints about The Jerry Springer Show illustrated the issues a code on taste and decency would have to address.
The US television chat show explores issues such as crossdressing, infidelity and bisexuality. It has strong language and often ends in guests fighting.
Mr Maguire said there was also a need for greater consistency in the approach of agencies in regulating broadcast material. The controversy arising out of TV3's proposed broadcast of Natural Born Killers highlighted the need to clarify the regulations.
He also called for greater uniformity among broadcasters in guidelines on election coverage. Mr Maguire described as unacceptable recent "contradictory approaches adopted by RTE on the one hand and the IRTC on the other in respect of the 24-hour moratorium" before polling day.
