The Broadcasters' Liaison Group was formed in 1997 and comprises of representatives from each of the broadcasters who make airtime available to registered political parties.
Each broadcaster is responsible for deciding the allocations made available to a political party. However, through the BLG, broadcasters work together with the Electoral Commission to ensure a consistent approach.
Meetings of the BLG are chaired by the BBC's Chief Adviser, Politics.
The group meets from time to time to co-ordinate the criteria which each broadcaster applies in determining the amount of airtime to be made available.
Broadcasting opportunities made available to political parties fall into four categories
The main political parties are the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. In Scotland , the SNP is also included as is Plaid in Wales . In Northern Ireland the main political parties are the DUP, Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the Ulster Unionists.
The BLG's member organisations are:
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Ric Bailey Chief Adviser, Politics BBC Media Centre 201 Wood Lane London W12 7TQ Tel: 020 8743 8000 |
The BBC makes airtime available at general and European elections. In the Nations, airtime is made available for elections to devolved institutions and for local government. In addition airtime is made available to the major parties for Party Political and Budget Broadcasts. The BBC Trust takes appeals concerning BBC allocations. | |
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Chris Wissun |
The ITV regions make airtime available at general elections, European elections and local government elections. Airtime is also made available to the major parties for Party Political and Budget Broadcasts. ITV1 Wales also makes airtime available at elections to the Welsh Assembly and for local government elections in Wales. | |
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Derrick Thomson stv Pacific Quay Glasgow G51 1PQ Tel: 0141 300 3000 |
In addition to the commitments of the ITV network, stv makes airtime available at elections to the Scottish Parliament and for local government elections in Scotland. | |
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Rob Morrison UTV Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 1EB Tel: 028 9032 8122 |
In addition to the commitments of the ITV network, UTV makes airtime available at elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly and for local government elections in Northern Ireland | |
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Dominic Harrison Legal & Compliance Channel 4 124 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2TX Tel: 020 7396 4444 |
Channel Four makes airtime available at general elections. In addition airtime is also made available to the major parties and the main minor parties through ‘The Political Slot', 16 of which are allocated annually. | |
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Martin Stott Five 22 Long Acre London WC2E 9LY Tel: 020 7550 5655 |
Five makes airtime available at general elections and European elections. | |
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Peter Lowe Assistant Editor Sky News Grant Way Isleworth Middlesex TW7 5QD Tel: 020 7585 4418 |
Sky News makes airtime available on a voluntary basis at general elections. | |
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Tim Hartley Head of Corporate Affairs S4C Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanisien Cardiff CF14 5DU Tel: 029 2074 1408 |
S4C makes airtime available at general elections and European elections, elections to National Assembly for Wales and for local government elections. In addition airtime is made available to the major parties for Party Political Broadcasts and Budget Broadcasts. | |
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Stephen Rooney Communications Director Electoral Commission Trevelyan House 30 Great Peter Street London SW1P 2HW |
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 requires the proposed criteria for Party Election Broadcasts to be sent to the Electoral Commission for comment. They attend BLG meetings as an observer. |
Further information regarding elections in the UK can be found at the Department of Constitutional Affairs elections website.
Information about the 2004 government consultation on Party Political Broadcasts can be found on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport website.