Party Election Broadcasts May 2008
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 1st 2008.
Broadcast areas
These criteria apply to broadcasters who are able to split their transmission signals, or to use opt-outs, between the nations and between regions of England, including the London area. Those broadcasters who are unable to do so would not normally allocate these PEBs.
Local Elections (England and Wales)
Parties fielding candidates in one sixth of possible seats in England (excluding the GLA) qualify for a minimum of one PEB in England, outside the GLA area or its nearest broadcast approximation.
Parties fielding candidates in one sixth of possible seats in Wales qualify for a minimum of one PEB in Wales.
London Mayoral/GLA Election
Parties fielding a candidate for Mayor and standing candidates in all constituency and list seats will qualify for a minimum of one PEB in the GLA area or its nearest broadcast approximation.
Exceptionally*, a broadcast may be awarded:
Where parties meet criteria for both the London elections and the English local elections, they may, for each broadcast scheduled:
Additional PEBs
Political parties may qualify for additional PEBs, if the broadcaster considers that they can demonstrate substantial levels of past and/or current electoral support in the relevant electoral area.
FOR INFORMATION ONLY, TO BE CONFIRMED
Transmission and Broadcast
PEBs will be shown on BBC One and ITV One (England and Wales only), BBC Two (Wales only), S4C and BBC London (radio).
Parties are offered a choice of duration: 4’40; 3’.40 or 2’40 on TV and radio.
The order of transmission will be based on performance at the last General Election.
Allocation on TV and Radio
On the basis of the information currently available, and on the assumption that the threshold criteria are met, the following allocation of PEBs is proposed:
In England, including the GLA area, on BBC One, ITV One and BBC London (radio):
Labour: )
Conservatives: ) 3 broadcasts each
Liberal Democrats: )
One broadcast each to other qualifying parties.
In Wales on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV One and S4C:
Labour: )
Plaid Cymru: ) 3 broadcasts each
Conservatives: )
Liberal Democrats: )
One broadcast each to other qualifying parties.
All PEBs will be made available through BBC Online from the time of first transmission.
All these proposals will be kept under review until close of nominations.
As is required by the PPERA 2000, the proposed criteria are sent to the Electoral Commission for comment.
January 2008
* The BBC applies a third exception to award a broadcast where a party with a Mayoral candidate which is standing a full slate of candidates EITHER in the constituency election OR in the top-up list and can demonstrate evidence of substantial current electoral support in London.