Taking cognisance of “preferential” coverage being given by DD News to the party in power, the Election Commission on Tuesday directed the channel to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The Commission, after reviewing a report from DD News, said its orders pertaining to the model code of conduct envisaged that misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisan coverage of political news and publicity of achievement for furthering the prospect of the party in power was scrupulously avoided.
However, the Commission found that the airtime coverage given to various political parties was disproportionate and not balanced, which was “not in accordance with the principle of maintaining neutrality and a level playing field, especially in the context of the provisions of MCC”. Accordingly, in a letter to the Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Commission asked DD News 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 parties”.