MEDIA POLICY

Code of Conduct for Television Broadcasts in connection with elections.

Code of Conduct for Television broadcasts in Connection with elections

1. The Election Commission (EC) recognised the significance of television in the coverage of elections. Its reach is widespread and its impact substantial. On the one hand television can be misused to favour one party or another. But, on the other hand, the EC recognises that television can, if used properly be an important source of information for voters across the country, it can provide the widest first hand education for voters on political parties; their symbols, the various leaders, the different issues in the election.

This is why television all over the world is the single biggest source of information of voters in terms of debates, campaign, coverage etc.

2. It is essential therefore that a model code of conduct is established for television both to ensure it is not misused as well as to ensure it is used in the best interests of democracy and the voter.

3. Listed below are the do's and don'ts for election coverage on television.

(a) Don'ts

1) There should be no coverage of any election speeches or other material that incites violence, one religion against, another one caste against another one language group against another etc.

(2) In any constituency only one candidate should not be projected. While it is not necessary to cover every single candidate (as some constituencies may have several candidates) at least the more important should be covered in any report from a constituency.

(b) Do's

(1) The following could be covered in a balanced and fair manner:

- campaigning and excerpts from campaign speeches:

- symbols, banners flags and other campaign material of parties:

- results of opinion polls by non-political, professional organisations with a proven track record.

- party manifestoes (critical analysis of which is also perfectly legitimate):

- candidates and their views in different constituencies across the country:

- the positions taken by the main parties on different issues important to the electorate:

- debates between major parties and candidates:

- analysis of previous voting patterns, victory margins, swings, etc.

4. By "balanced and fair" it is meant that among that major political parties:

- no one political party should be given substantially more coverage than others. This "balance" need not be achieved in any single day or in a single story, but over a reasonable period of time, say one week.

- balance does not mean each party must get exactly the same air time to the last second, but parties should be given broadly the same amount of time.

- balance implies that to no reasonable person should it appear that one political party is being projected to the exclusion of others.

5. Procedures

- All producers must record a copy of their programme off air for use as reference in case of any disputes.

- The EC shall be the final arbiter in any dispute.

6. The final interpretation of any disputed passage or story should be with the Election Commission. In case of a disagreement with the broadcaster, one authority could be nominated by the Election Commission who could take a decision immediately when approached.



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