[cma-l] Statement on changes to Ofcom’s rules on due impartiality, due accuracy and elections and referendums

[CMA-L]

Ofcom has today confirmed plans to remove the concept of ‘larger parties’
from its Broadcasting Code and its rules for party political and referendum
broadcasts
<https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/broadcast-impartiality-accuracy-and-elections-rules-review>
with effect from 22 March 2017.

Previously, ahead of an election, relevant broadcasters have been required
to allocate at least two party election broadcasts to each party on the
‘larger parties’ list.

Today’s decision to remove the list confirms proposals in Ofcom’s November
2016 consultation. Instead, broadcasters must base editorial decisions
about election coverage, and decisions on the allocation of party political
broadcasts, on evidence of past electoral support and/or current support.

To assist broadcasters in making editorial decisions in relation to the
forthcoming May 2017 elections, a digest of evidence of past electoral
support and current support
<https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/guidance/programme-guidance>
is also being published today.

The statement also sets out some amendments to Section Five (due accuracy
and due impartiality) and Section Six (elections and referendums) of the
Broadcasting Code, and Ofcom’s rules on party political and referendum
broadcasts, so that they apply to BBC.

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Community Media Association
-- 
http://www.commedia.org.uk/
http://twitter.com/community_media
https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation

Canstream Internet Radio & Video
http://www.canstream.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/canstream
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