- ECI issues digital vouchers for free broadcast/telecast to parties in Bihar elections 2025.
- Base 45 minutes allotted per party; extra time based on last poll performance.
- Broadcast period: from candidate list publication to 2 days before poll.
- Parties must submit transcripts and recordings per Prasar Bharati standards.
- Two panel discussions/debates to be organized, with one representative per party.
GG News Bureau
Patna, 17th Oct: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued digital vouchers to National and State-recognized political parties for free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, 2025.
Under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI has directed the allocation of broadcast/telecast slots through an IT platform, ensuring uniformity and transparency in media access for all eligible parties.
The base allotment provides 45 minutes of free broadcast time on both Doordarshan and AIR for each party, distributed across the regional network in Bihar. Additional time has been granted to parties based on their performance in the previous Assembly elections.
The broadcast period will start from the date of publication of contesting candidates in each phase and continue until two days before the polling date. The actual schedule will be determined by a draw of lots in the presence of party representatives and officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, following Prasar Bharati’s technical guidelines. Recordings can be made at studios meeting prescribed standards or at Doordarshan/AIR Kendras.
Besides individual party broadcasts, Prasar Bharati will also organize up to two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR. Each eligible party may nominate one representative for these programmes, which will be moderated by an approved coordinator.
