Reporting Elections

During elections, the requirement for broadcasters to be accurate and impartial is at it's most important as our coverage aids the democratic process and helps to allow voters to make a choice. As broadcasters are obliged to maintain strict impartiality, daily coverage and coverage over time must be assessed and logged to ensure that time given to each party is proportional to each party's performance in the previous election and the polls - major party candidates and minor party or fringe candidates do not have to be treated equally.


Whilst journalists do have some privilege n statements from candidates, it is important to check facts and balance all coverage over the election period. The Representation of the People Act 1983 makes it illegal to spread false statements about candidates, so it is important to check accusations made by candidates before reporting them.


When using information from polls in reports, journalists need to be aware that not all polls are equally reliable. They should ensure that they are aware of and talk about the margins of error and the geographic & demographic balance of the sample taken for the poll. 'Straw polls' by the journalist are a good way of adding colour and getting a sense of opinions in a particular area but are not scientific and must not be construed as such. Ensure you include the context and reliability of polls in your reports.


Danger areas for journalists:

• False statements about candidates
• Maintaining impartiality
• Reporting opinion polls and exit polls

NB: It is an offence to refer to exit polls until close of polling. Also, remember that you should not cover political issues or argument on polling day itself.