A reminder that we enter the ‘election period’ from Tuesday 26 March. It lasts until the close of polling. There are strict rules about what we can and can’t do on air relating to political and local government issues. Please refresh your understanding of the rules by visiting these links:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-codes/broadcast-code/section-six-elections-referendums
https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/communications-and-community-engagement/pre-election-period
Ultimately, if in doubt, leave it out (and check with me or Nick). This includes interviews with council officials, MPs, and similar.
Any presenter who is standing as a candidate may not present until the election is over.
OFCOM take this extremely seriously and pay particularly close attention to community stations; several found themselves in very hot water last time around for not getting it right – let’s make sure we don’t join them please.