A consultation paper from the broadcasting regulator Ofcom proposes that minority parties such as the BNP be given more Party Election Broadcasts and that those broadcasts could be shown during peak viewing hours.
Ofcom’s review of the Rules on party Political and Referendum Broadcasts states that one of the most significant changes of the proposal would be “to provide for greater flexibility, so that registered parties other than designated major parties may qualify for a series of broadcasts, and peak-time scheduling, if evidence of their electoral support at a particular election or in a relevant area means it would be appropriate to do so.”
Nothing British is sad at the thought that the BNP will get more airtime, but considers it inevitable so long as the BNP scores successes in the election.
Eric Pickles MP, Conservative Party Chairman, has blasted the plan:
“The Government’s broadcasting quango has lost the plot. In its blind pursuit of ‘equality’, it wants to give the oxygen of publicity to extremists who do not have substantive electoral support. The public will be appalled that more airtime will given to the British National Party to peddle their propaganda and undermine community relations. Elections should be open, fair and accessible, but parties without broad-based public backing shouldn’t be given extra state support.”
Eric Pickles is absolutely right to be concerned, but in light of the BNP’s 7% share of the popular vote and the increased broadcast time the BNP has already recieved, the three major political parties must be prepared to confront them as they receive greater opportunities to air their abhorrent views.
