Ensure plurality of political coverage across UK broadcast media at all times
We want to ensure that a plurality of views from all political parties in Westminster are represented and the nations parliaments are heard all year round, not just election times. The rules for coverage during elections should apply at all times.
Signatures
17,051
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 17,051/100,000
- 22 SEPT 2025Government respondedDepartment for Culture, Media and SportGovernment reply
Ofcom rules ensure that broadcast news must be reported with due accuracy and impartiality. The Government is committed to a free media and has no plans to extend rules which apply during elections.
Read full response - 13 SEPT 2025Petition closedFinal total: 17,051 signatures
- 31 AUG 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 13 MAR 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
We feel this is important as we deeply value democracy and the plurality of voices. We are very concerned about the perceived lack of fair political coverage outside of elections.
We do not think that the current rules ensure equal or fair coverage of different political parties outside elections. We want ensure parties with representation are shown for the work they are performing all year round. We feel that this could result in citizens possessing a broader perspective on their representatives' activities, which we think is essential for an informed, functioning, democracy. We also want a review to look into how broadcasters ensure coverage never verges on propaganda for one political party or another.