The High Court yesterday refused a man leave to challenge the Broadcasting Complaints Commission's rejection of his complaint that the Automobile Association used the national airwaves to promote the interests of motorists.
However, Mr William Campbell, a computer trainer, of Haroldville Avenue, Dublin, was told by Mr Justice Butler he could renew his application if he produced new grounds.
In an affidavit, Mr Campbell said he complained to RTE in December 1999 about the content and presentation of the AA Roadwatch slots broadcast on RTE Radio 1, 2FM and Lyric FM. He also complained to Today FM.
The stations rejected his claims and he put the matter before the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC). The BCC also rejected his complaint.
Mr Campbell said the Green Party and the Dublin Cycling Campaign had been refused permission to make submissions to the BCC. They believed that their campaigns in favour of public transport users and cyclists were undermined by the privileged access that motorists' lobby groups had to the airwaves.
Mr Campbell, who represented himself at yesterday's hearing, said he was concerned about the environment. He had complained to the BCC that RTE allowed the AA, a lobbying organisation for motorists, to use the airwaves. The BCC had refused to give reasons for its decision, Mr Campbell said.
For the purpose of processing his complaint, the BCC appeared to accept that the AA was a sponsor of an RTE programme and of RTE news programmes.
At the same time, the commission contradicted itself by appearing to hold in favour of RTE's assertion that it did not regard the supply of AA Roadwatch, or of studio space for news and currents affairs programmes, as a form of sponsorship.
Mr Justice Butler said he could not grant leave to seek a judicial review but since it was an ex parte application, Mr Campbell was free to apply again if he had new grounds.