Just a reminder with the local elections due on Thursday we need to show due impartiality across our coverage.
That means we can’t run an interview with a candidate in an Election without those standing against them being given equal opportunity to put their case.
The following elections are taking place within our broadcast area:
The Mayor of the Combined Authority (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough).
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire County Council
Cambridge City Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
East Cambridgeshire District Council
The following elections are taking place across England, Scotland and Wales:
Scottish Parliament
Welsh Parliament
Local council authorities in 143 councils in England
Mayoral elections in 13 areas in England
Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales
London Assembly
There is also a Parliamentary by-election in the constituency of Hartlepool.
Advisory is from IRN
The Election Period is now underway and Ofcom is reminding all broadcasters that great care needs to be taken when broadcasting election-related programming.
All broadcasters should ensure they comply with Section Six (Elections and Referendums) of the Ofcom Code:
ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-codes/broadcast-code/section-six-elections-referendums
In summary:
6.2: Due weight must be given to the coverage of parties and independent candidates during the election period. In determining the appropriate level of coverage to be given to parties and independent candidates broadcasters must take into account 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.
6.6: Candidates in UK elections must not act as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of programme during the election period.
6.7: Appearances by candidates (in UK elections) in non-political programmes that were planned or scheduled before the election or referendum period may continue, but no new appearances should be arranged and broadcast during the period.
6.8: Due impartiality must be strictly maintained in a constituency report or discussion and in an electoral area report or discussion.
6.9: If a candidate takes part in an item about his/her particular constituency, or electoral area, then broadcasters must offer the opportunity to take part in such items to all candidates within the constituency or electoral area representing parties with previous significant electoral support or where there is evidence of significant current support. This also applies to independent candidates. However, if a candidate refuses or is unable to participate, the item may nevertheless go ahead.
6.10: Any constituency or electoral area report or discussion after the close of nominations must include a list of all candidates standing, giving first names, surnames and the name of the party they represent or, if they are standing independently, the fact that they are an independent candidate. This must be conveyed in sound and/or vision. Where a constituency report on a radio service is repeated on several occasions in the same day, the full list need only be broadcast on one occasion. If, in subsequent repeats on that day, the constituency report does not give the full list of candidates, the audience should be directed to an appropriate website or other information source listing all candidates and giving the information set out above.
6.11: Where a candidate is taking part in a programme on any matter, after the election has been called, s/he must not be given the opportunity to make constituency points, or electoral area points about the constituency or electoral area in which s/he is standing, when no other candidates will be given a similar opportunity.
6.12: If coverage is given to wider election regions, for example in elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly or London Assembly, then Rules 6.8 to 6.12 apply in offering participation to candidates. In these instances, all parties who have a candidate in the appropriate region should be listed in sound and/or vision, but it is not necessary to list candidates individually. However, any independent candidate who is not standing on a party list must be named. Where a report on a radio service is repeated on several occasions in the same day, the full list need only be broadcast on one occasion. If, in subsequent repeats on that day, the constituency report does not give the full list of candidates, the audience should be directed to an appropriate website or other information source listing all candidates and giving the information set out above.