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 and Ofcom to ensure a consistent approach. The following is the approach that each broadcaster will adopt regarding allocation criteria for the elections on May 6th 2010.
Party Election Broadcasts May 2010
England
General Election
Threshold Criterion
Political parties which are standing candidates in a minimum of one sixth of the seats up for election in a nation will qualify for one PEB in that nation.
Accordingly:
in England, a political party will qualify for one PEB if it stands candidates in a minimum of 89 seats
in Scotland, a political party will qualify for one PEB if it stands candidates in a minimum of 10 seats
in Wales, a political party will qualify for one PEB if it stands candidates in a minimum of 7 seats
in Northern Ireland, a political party will qualify for one PEB if it stands candidates in a minimum of 3 seats
Additional Criterion
Political parties which meet the threshold criterion may qualify for additional PEBs in a nation if it can demonstrate substantial levels of past and/or current electoral support in that nation.
The provisional allocation of all PEBs is subject to review and amendment until one day after the close of nominations.
PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION (Assuming parties meet the threshold criterion)
In England, Wales and Scotland, PEBs will be transmitted, in each nation, on BBC One at 1855 and/or 2235 and on BBC Two at 1755and/or 2320 or 2335, beginning no sooner than April 12th 2010. These transmission times are subject to variation, especially any scheduled for weekend or Bank Holiday days.
Parties are able to choose from three durations: 2’40”; 3’40” or 4’40”.
All TV PEBs will be made available on the BBC's website from the day of first transmission.
If the General Election and the Local Elections in England occur on the same day, there will be no seperate PEBs for the latter.
ENGLAND
General Election:
Labour and the Conservatives will each be offered FIVE broadcasts.
The Liberal Democrats will be offered FOUR broadcasts.
All other parties meeting the threshold criterion will each be offered ONE broadcast.
Local elections:
All parties meeting the threshold criterion will be offered ONE broadcast.
SCOTLAND
Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the Conservatives will each be offered FOUR broadcasts.
All other parties meeting the threshold criterion will be offered ONE broadcast.
WALES
Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru will each be offered FOUR broadcasts.
All other parties meeting the threshold criterion will be offered ONE broadcast.
NORTHERN IRELAND
In Northern Ireland, PEBs will be transmitted on BBC One at 1855 and/or 2235 and on BBC Two at 1755and/or 2320 or 2335, beginning no sooner than April 12th 2010. These transmission times are subject to variation, especially any scheduled for weekend or Bank Holiday days.
Parties are able to choose from three durations: 2’40”; 3’40” or 4’40”
The DUP, Sinn Fein, UCUNF and the SDLP will each be offered FOUR broadcasts.
Traditional Unionist Voice and The Alliance Party will be offered TWO broadcasts.
All other parties meeting the threshold criterion will each be offered ONE broadcast.
Criteria for previous elections:
May 2008 - Local elections in England and Wales and elections to the Greater London Authority