Broadcasters are relied upon during elections to inform voters and assist the democratic process. They must be absolutely impartial when covering politics, giving all the major parties equal coverage – this is different to print journalists as they can be partial depending on whether they are a left or right wing paper.
Broadcasters should keep an accurate log of party coverage to maintain impartiality. Ofcom has ruled that UKIP is to be treated as a major party to ensure that they receive the same coverage as the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems. Ofcom has suggested recently that the Greens are to be treated as a minor party.
*NB official Monster Raving Loony party*
Definitions of major and minor parties affect party election broadcasts and how many they are allowed from Ofcom. Election TV Debates have been a hot topic in the news recently – these are also ruled by Ofcom – follow David Cameron updates on whether he is to take part in all of the debates.
Ofcom section 6 covers elections and referendums.
Journalists must keep the stance as the ‘storyteller’, ensuring that all facts are checked and statements are challenged from politicians.
The Representation of the People Act 1983 makes it a criminal offence to make or publish false statements about election candidates. See Labour MP Phil Woolas case.
The BBC has announced new guidelines for the 2015 General Election, see here.
Journalists must view impartiality as an active thing, not passive.
Good journalism is exploring the issues and helping the audience have an informed choice. Interviewing an expert from the Institute of Fiscal studies is an impartial and informed way of checking figures are correct.
What are the danger areas in election reporting?
- Debates/discussions – who?
- Interviews
- Constituency profile
- False statements
- Impartiality
- Exit polls
Journalists cannot publish, before a poll has closed, any statement about how people have voted or any forecast of the election results. An exit poll can only be published after the polls have officially closed.
On polling day, there is no reporting of political issues or arguments; the main aim is to urge people to vote.
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