22/07/2004

Public views urged for future of political broadcasts

The public are being asked for their views on the future of Party Political Broadcasts.

The consultation paper published today plans to ensure the current system is right for the multi-channel age. Current arrangements for Party Political Broadcasts date back to 1924.

The move is part of a wider drive to engage voters more fully with the political process, the government has said.

Issues raised include:
  • whether to have all the most popular TV or radio channels include party political broadcasts in their schedules. They are currently only carried by the main public service TV channels and national analogue radio services
  • alternative approaches to allocation and scheduling of the broadcasts - in particular, opening them up to other political parties
  • using specialist channels, the Internet or other mobile technologies to reach those audiences most disengaged from the political process
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "This consultation will enable us to ensure that we are using the resources of the modern media to reach voters in the most effective way so that, in tandem with other steps being taken across government, we can engage as many people as possible in the democratic system."

The consultation document also restates the government's commitment to a ban on paid political advertising.

People have until 14 October 2004 to submit their comments

(gmcg)

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