March 13, 2017

Ofcom has confirmed plans to remove the concept of “larger parties” from its Broadcasting Code and its rules for party political and referendum broadcasts 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.

The 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 has also been published.

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 the BBC. To read Ofcom’s full statement, click here.