Ofcom updates election guidance for UK broadcasters

The regulator has published an updated digest of evidence of past and current electoral support to guide broadcasters’ coverage of May’s elections.

Ofcom says the digest is designed to support editorial decision making ahead of polls taking place on 7 May.

The document summarises past and current electoral support and outlines the factors the regulator considers when assessing election related programming. It is intended to help stations apply due impartiality during the campaign period.

Elections on that day include votes for the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) and for the Scottish Parliament. There will also be local and mayoral elections in some parts of England.

The updated digest provides a reference point for newsrooms and programme teams as they plan interviews, debates and wider political output. It sets out how Ofcom approaches evidence of support when considering whether coverage has met the requirements of the Broadcasting Code.