U.K. Broadcasters Warned to Maintain Impartiality in Election Year by Media Regulator
variety.comNaman Ramachandran U.K. media regulator Ofcom has said it is “sounding a warning to broadcasters” to maintain “the highest level of due impartiality” ahead of a general election that is likely due later this year.
Ofcom has enhanced rules that apply during election periods. Any breaches of election programming rules will be treated as serious and will result in Ofcom considering the imposition of statutory sanctions.
The regulator has reminded broadcasters that its Broadcasting Code prohibits candidates in U.K. elections from acting as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of program during the election period.
Politicians who are not standing as candidates in a U.K. election can present non-news programs – including current affairs – during election periods, provided that program complies with all relevant code rules.
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