Media and political parties were cautioned on Monday to be cautious before publishing, broadcasting or releasing advertisements relating to the Assembly elections next month.
They were asked to strictly adhere to the Election Commission (EC) guidelines in respect of election-related matter either as advertisements, broadcasting or release. The electronic media was told to obtain prior permission of the District Media Certification and Watchdog Committee (DMCWC).
The DMCWC had been set up following EC's directions to keep an eye on advertisements, paid news items, and other election material and would send a report to the respective election officers of the constituencies every day.
It was made clear that approval was not required for publishing advertisements in the print media. However, the cost of such advertisements will be recommended by the DMCWC to the EC's Poll Expenses Observers and election officers.
It was mandatory to print the publisher's and printer's name, and address in all other printed poll material like leaflets and posters, and a declaration should be submitted to the election officers. Any failure would be brought to the notice of the of the election officers by the DMCWC.
No advertisement material in the name of a candidate should be published without bringing it to the notice of the concerned candidate.
A watch would be kept on all advertisements in the form of news items and considering it as paid news its cost at the advertisement rates prescribed by the Department of Information would be added to the candidate's poll expenses, it was stated at a meeting of the DMCWC.
They were asked to strictly adhere to the Election Commission (EC) guidelines in respect of election-related matter either as advertisements, broadcasting or release. The electronic media was told to obtain prior permission of the District Media Certification and Watchdog Committee (DMCWC).
The DMCWC had been set up following EC's directions to keep an eye on advertisements, paid news items, and other election material and would send a report to the respective election officers of the constituencies every day.
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Doordarshan, radio and cable TV and other electronic media must obtain prior approval of the DMCWC which was functioning at the Vartha Bhavan from where they could have the approved format. The DMCWC would report to the election officers of any relay or broadcast of advertisements without prior approval for appropriate action.
It was made clear that approval was not required for publishing advertisements in the print media. However, the cost of such advertisements will be recommended by the DMCWC to the EC's Poll Expenses Observers and election officers.
It was mandatory to print the publisher's and printer's name, and address in all other printed poll material like leaflets and posters, and a declaration should be submitted to the election officers. Any failure would be brought to the notice of the of the election officers by the DMCWC.
No advertisement material in the name of a candidate should be published without bringing it to the notice of the concerned candidate.
A watch would be kept on all advertisements in the form of news items and considering it as paid news its cost at the advertisement rates prescribed by the Department of Information would be added to the candidate's poll expenses, it was stated at a meeting of the DMCWC.