EC directs Doordarshan to not air coverage preferring one party

The Election Commission on Tuesday directed Doordarshan to "desist" from extending any preferential or disproportionate airtime coverage in favour of any party. In a strongly-worded letter to secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the EC said, "Would like you (secy) to direct the DD news channel to desist from extending any preferential or disproportionate airtime coverage in favour of any party and extend commensurate and balanced coverage of the activities of all recognised political parties..."

The commission had recently issued a show cause notice to DD news for showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' programme for nearly one hour after opposition parties complained that the national broadcaster was being biased. In its reply, DD news had reportedly said the BJP gets maximum time on its news slot, followed by the Congress since the Lok Sabha polls were announced.

"It was noted from the report that the airtime coverage given to various political parties is disproportionate and not balanced, which is not in accordance with the principle of maintaining neutrality and a level playing field, especially in the context of the provisions of MCC," the EC said.

(With inputs from agencies.)