NaMo TV cannot air any political content without certification: EC

NEW DELHI: NaMo TV cannot air any political content without getting approval by the media certification and monitoring committee (MCMC), Election Commission has told the Delhi chief electoral officer under whom the MCMC functions.

In a letter sent on Thursday to the Delhi CEO, EC said NaMo TV being an advertisement platform sponsored by a political party, all recorded programmes and political content displayed on the channel should be pre-certified by media certification and monitoring committee.

Delhi CEO had informed EC that while the BJP had approached it earlier for pre-certification of some content, there was other content airing on NaMo TV that was not cleared by MCMC.

EC has now told Delhi CEO that any political publicity materials/contents being displayed on electronic media without requisite certification from MCMC should be removed immediately and any political content shall only be permitted strictly in accordance with EC instructions in this regard.

As per EC instructions dated April 15, 2004, issued following SC order dated April 13, 2004 in Secretary, I&B Vs M/s Gemini TV, all political advertisements and political advertisements are mandatorily required to be pre-certified by MCMC before telecasting/displaying.

EC has asked Delhi CEO to ensure implementation of the commission's above instructions and send a compliance report immediately.