We write to advise you that the Commission considered your complaint (ref. CAS-04341) at its meeting on 3rd September 2025.

Having considered and discussed the relevant material and the points you raised, the Commission decided not to proceed further with your complaint.

The reasons for this decision are explained below.

Your complaint alleged that the treatment of abortion as a topic was offensive and disrespectful, and that the broadcast displayed a lack of sensitivity and journalistic responsibility.

In deciding on your complaint, the Commission took into account the framing of the interview, which intended to promote Katie Boyle’s upcoming comedy show through exploration of the inspirations behind her comedy material. The presenters and Katie Boyle discussed numerous topics such as her move to New York, her previous jobs, dating in America, starting her career in comedy, and the experiences that influenced the themes of her upcoming show, such as abortion. The Commission noted that comedy often pushes boundaries on sensitive topics such as religion and abortion, and in this context, a light-hearted tone in the treatment of the subject matter could be expected. Although the segment contained reference to a saint, the Commission decided that the programme material did not disrespect religious views, images, practices or beliefs, as provided in the Code of Programme Standards obligation 16.4.

Ireland AM is a not a family programme and is broadcast on a channel which targets an adult audience. Nielsen viewing figures for this broadcast show an audience composition of 99.4% adults ages 15+. The programme regularly explores topics of an adult nature, and the presenter stated that they would be discussing the controversial topic of abortion before delving into the matter with Katie Boyle, providing an indication of the type of content to follow and an opportunity for those who do not wish to view such content to switch off. The Commission decided that additional warnings or guidance mechanisms were not warranted in this case.

The Commission noted that the segment did not purport to be a debate on, or analysis of abortion, but rather, a promotion for a show in which a comedian explores her personal experiences, including abortion, as an Irish woman living in America and how her experiences provided material to include in her comedy show. In such a case, there is no requirement to share a different viewpoint of abortion. Additionally, matters which cause offence differ from person to person and that there can be no guarantee that programme material will be free from offence. Boyle was entitled to share her personal experience of abortion as an interviewee, and presenters are not expected to robustly challenge those who are sharing personal stories.

On this basis, the Commission decided not to proceed further with your complaint.

This email is a formal notification to you of the Commission’s decision. Please be advised that Coimisiún na Meán does not operate an appeals mechanism for its complaint decisions.

A notice of the Commission’s decision on your complaint will be published on Coimisiún na Meán’s website in due course. This notice will not contain personal data relating to you.

Thank you for making your complaint to Coimisiún na Meán,

Kind regards,

User Support Team

Foireann Tacaíochta Úsáideoirí