Just for info- this is what the Beeb sent out as a reply
to those protesting the screening of the BNP election
broadcast.
The BBC and other relevant broadcasters transmit Party Election Broadcasts where registered and lawfully constituted political parties qualify under rules which are agreed by and common to all broadcasters, and which are scrutinised by the Electoral Commission. To qualify for a party election broadcast a political party must be registered with the Electoral Commission as a lawfully constituted party. It must contest at least one sixth of the seats in the relevant country and the proposed broadcast must be lawful, comply with the BBC's codes on matters such as taste and decency and must meet certain technical requirements.
The BNP is a lawful party which has met the threshold and, provided its proposed broadcast meets the required standards, the BBC is obliged to broadcast it. In a democratic society it is for Parliament to decide who can lawfully address the electorate. The BBC plays no part in the editorial content of the broadcasts, but these must comply with the law and with some other broadcasting regulations.
As a public service broadcaster the BBC is committed to impartiality in its reporting of political issues. Freedom of expression is a very important democratic right, especially within an election period. The inclusion of such Party Election Broadcasts within our output under these rules is in no way an endorsement by the BBC of the views of the parties concerned.
Thank you again for contacting us.
BBC Complaints Unit
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So that's alright then ????... I think not.
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