Ensure plurality of political coverage across UK broadcast media at all times

We want to ensure that a plurality of views from all political parties in Westminster are represented and the nations parliaments are heard all year round, not just election times. The rules for coverage during elections should apply at all times.

We feel this is important as we deeply value democracy and the plurality of voices. We are very concerned about the perceived lack of fair political coverage outside of elections.

We do not think that the current rules ensure equal or fair coverage of different political parties outside elections. We want ensure parties with representation are shown for the work they are performing all year round. We feel that this could result in citizens possessing a broader perspective on their representatives' activities, which we think is essential for an informed, functioning, democracy. We also want a review to look into how broadcasters ensure coverage never verges on propaganda for one political party or another.

The Government is strongly committed to a free, sustainable, and plural media landscape, where diverse voices representing the breadth of views across our country can be heard. An independent media is a cornerstone of our democracy, and plays an essential role in helping citizens become more informed and support their decision making. Effective regulation is an essential part of this, helping to ensure that the highest standards are upheld, polemic is not presented as fact, and people can trust what they see. However, editorial decisions are a matter for individual broadcasters, not for the Government. It would not be proportionate or practical to mandate equal coverage for political parties outside of election and referendum periods. Doing so would place undue restrictions on broadcasters’ ability to freely report the news and undertake their critical role in holding the Government and political representatives to account. Therefore, the Government has no plans to extend broadcasting rules which apply during election or referendum periods to apply at all times.

Ofcom is the UK’s independent regulator for broadcasting, and by law carries out its duties independently of the Government. Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code includes rules which apply specifically during election periods, to ensure that due weight is given to the coverage of parties and independent candidates, based on evidence of past electoral support and/or current support. Broadcasters must also consider giving appropriate coverage to parties and independent candidates with significant views and perspectives. These rules are an important part of ensuring that audiences are informed about the range of political parties and candidates who are standing for elected office. They are designed to help secure the integrity of the democratic process, and the public’s trust in that process, by preventing unfair electoral advantage being afforded to a particular candidate.