Election Rules for State-Owned Media | 24 May 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, two opposition leaders accused state-owned media of censoring their speeches during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

• However, according to a Prasar Bharati official, the televisions and radio networks were simply following rules set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the use of state media by recognised parties during elections.

What are the Rules for Political Parties Using State-Owned Media?

• Allocation of Time on State Media:
  • Recognised political parties have been allowed to freely use state-owned television and radio during polls since the 1998 Lok Sabha elections.
  • The ECI decides the time allocation for each recognised national and state party before the start of the election campaign.
    • National parties collectively receive a minimum of 10 hours on Doordarshan's national channel and 15 hours on regional channels. They also get 10 hours on AIR's national hook-up and 15 hours on regional AIR stations.
    • State parties get a minimum of 30 hours on regional Doordarshan channels and AIR radio stations.
• Guidelines on Speech Content:
  • Parties and speakers must submit speech transcripts 3-4 days in advance for approval by respective All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) authorities.
  • ECI Guidelines Prohibit:
    • Criticism of other countries;
    • Attack on religions or communities;
    • Obscene or defamatory content;
    • Incitement of violence;
    • Contempt of court;
    • Aspersions against the President and judiciary;
    • Anything affecting national unity and integrity;
    • Criticism of individuals by name.