Parties get free slots on Doordarshan, AIR

As Bihar gears up for the Assembly poll, the Election Commission has issued digital time vouchers to national and state political parties for free broadcast and telecast on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR). The move comes under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The poll body stated that digital time vouchers, issued through an IT platform, will allow all recognised political parties in Bihar to access broadcast and telecast facilities.

The broadcast/telecast period will be scheduled between the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and two days before the date of poll in Bihar. The actual broadcast/telecast will be scheduled in advance through a draw of lots in the presence of authorised representatives of the parties and officials from the office of CEO Bihar, the EC said.

Under the scheme, free broadcasting and telecasting facilities for a base time of 45 minutes have been allotted on both Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), for each party to be uniformly provided on the regional network within the state.

Additional time has been allotted to political parties based on their poll performance in the last Assembly election of Bihar.

Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, strictly adhering to the relevant guidelines. These recordings may be made in a studio meeting to ensure technical standards prescribed by the Prasar Bharati or at Doordarshan/AIR Kendras.

In addition to party broadcasts, Prasar Bharati Corporation will organise up to two panel discussions/debates on Doordarshan and All India Radio for Bihar.

Each eligible party may nominate one representative for the programme, which will be moderated by an approved coordinator.