Ofcom rejects SNP/Plaid objection to TV debate

A message from Ofcom brought this news today:

Ofcom today announced it has not upheld complaints received from the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru about The First Election Debate broadcast on ITV1 at 8.30pm on Thursday 15 April 2010. The political parties complained that the programme was not impartial and was also misleading.

The complaints were adjudicated by the Ofcom Election Committee which may consider complaints during an election period where it is considered that a substantive issue is raised and where the complaint, if upheld, might require redress before polling day.

The Committee considered all the submissions and evidence before it, in light of the devolved political systems in Scotland and Wales, and under the relevant provisions of the Broadcasting Code.  It decided that neither complaint should be upheld; that the broadcast of the Debate complied with sections five and six of the Broadcasting Code (concerning impartiality and election coverage); and that no remedial action was therefore required on the part of ITV licensees.