Question : BROADCASTING OF POLITICAL ACTIVITIES



(a) whether there is any code of conduct for allotting time-slot for broadcasting/ telecasting political activities of the recognized political parties on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the names of such political parties and the time-slot for the broadcasting of the news pertaining to their activities on Doordarshan and All India Radio during each of the last three years, AIR and Doordarshan-wise and party-wise;

(d) whether any regulatory authority has been set up by Prasar Bharati to dispose of the cases with regard to discrimination in allotting time-slots for the broadcasting of news pertaining to regional political parties;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) if not, the reasons therefor;

(g) whether there is any provision for allotting time-slot for such broadcasts to the active recognized political parties in proportion to their representations in Parliament and State Assemblies;

(h) if so, the details thereof;

(i) whether it is regularly reviewed; and

(j) and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)

(a), (b) & (g) to (j): Prasar Bharati have informed that political telecasts by AIR & Doordarshan are permitted during the Lok Sabha/ Assembly Elections only under the Code of conduct/guidelines framed by the Election Commission of India.

(c): Prasar Bharati have informed that no specific time slot for the broadcasting of news pertaining to any particular political party has been mandated as broadcasting of news is based on the newsworthiness of events. However, time slots for the telecasts were allotted to all National and State level recognized political parties during the conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections as per the Code of conduct/guidelines framed by the Election Commission of India.

(d) to (f) No, Sir. Prasar Bharati have informed that such cases are looked after by Election Commission of India.