ECI begins allocation of free broadcast time on Doordarshan and AIR for parties ahead of 5-state elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun the process of allocating free broadcast and telecast time on public service broadcasters for recognized political parties ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

‎In a press note issued on Monday, the poll authority said it has issued directions under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for the distribution of airtime on Doordarshan and All India Radio to all recognized national and state parties contesting the polls.

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‎The Commission stated that “digital time vouchers have been issued through the IT platform to all the recognized National and State Political Parties across five poll-bound States/UTs for the Legislative Assembly elections,” introducing a uniform system for allocating broadcast slots.

‎It further said the broadcast and telecast period will begin from the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and will continue until two days before polling.

The scheduling of party addresses will be decided in advance through a draw of lots conducted at the state or union territory level in the presence of authorized representatives of political parties and officials from the respective Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

‎Under the scheme, each eligible party will receive a base allocation of 45 minutes of free airtime on both Doordarshan and All India Radio within each state or union territory. The ECI also said additional airtime will be provided based on a party’s performance in the previous assembly elections in the respective regions.

‎“The broadcast and telecast facilities are intended to ensure equitable access to public media platforms for all recognized political parties during the election period,” the press note said, underlining the Commission’s emphasis on fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in electoral communication.

‎Political parties have been directed to submit pre-recorded speeches and transcripts in advance in accordance with prescribed guidelines. The Commission also said that all recordings must adhere to technical standards set by Prasar Bharati and may be produced either in approved studios or at Doordarshan and AIR Kendras.

‎In addition to party broadcasts, the public broadcaster will also organize up to two panel discussions or debates on both Doordarshan and All India Radio, with each eligible party allowed to nominate one representative.

These programmes will be moderated by an approved coordinator appointed for the purpose.
‎The initiative forms part of the ECI’s broader efforts to ensure a level playing field during elections by providing equitable access to state-run media platforms, particularly for parties with differing levels of media reach, visibility, and campaign resources.