BBC Election Reporting Guidelines: A Guide to Polling Day Coverage
The BBC has published detailed guidelines for reporting on polling day, outlining its approach to covering elections. According to the BBC’s own guidelines, as reported on their live news website (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c39jedewxp8t), the corporation is subject to strict rules on election coverage.
The Rules of Election Reporting
Like other broadcasters, the BBC is prohibited from reporting on campaigning or local election issues on TV, radio, or online until 22:00 BST, when voting closes. This is a regulatory requirement that ensures fairness and impartiality in the reporting of election results. As the BBC notes on their website, "The BBC, like other broadcasters, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or local election issues on TV, radio or online on polling day until 22:00 BST, when voting closes."
Restrictions on Exit Polls
During polling hours, it is a criminal offence to report on exit polls, which aim to predict election results based on surveys of how people say they have voted. The BBC is clear on this point, stating that "while polls are open, it is a criminal offence to report any exit polls, which aim to predict election results on the basis of surveys of how people say they have voted." This restriction is in place to prevent the influencing of voters and to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Factual Reporting Only
On polling day, references to local elections are normally restricted to uncontroversial factual accounts, such as the appearance of politicians at polling stations, the weather, or practical information about how to vote. The BBC’s guidelines reflect this approach, with the corporation stating that "references to the local elections on the day are normally restricted to uncontroversial factual accounts, such as the appearance of politicians at polling stations, the weather, or practical information about how to vote."
Polling Day Coverage After 22:00 BST
Once the polls have closed at 22:00 BST, the election guidelines no longer apply, and the BBC is free to report on the results. However, the corporation must still report the results with the impartiality required both by Ofcom and the BBC’s own Editorial Guidelines. As the BBC notes, "once the polls have closed at 22:00, the election guidelines no longer apply. However, the BBC must still report the results with the impartiality required both by Ofcom and the BBC’s own Editorial Guidelines."
Maintaining Impartiality
The BBC’s commitment to impartiality is a cornerstone of its reporting, and this is particularly important during elections. As a public service broadcaster, the BBC has a duty to report on events in a fair and balanced way, without taking a partisan stance. This approach helps to maintain public trust in the corporation and ensures that the BBC remains a credible source of news and information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BBC’s guidelines for reporting on polling day are designed to ensure fairness, impartiality, and accuracy in the coverage of elections. By following these guidelines, the BBC can provide high-quality reporting that informs and engages the public, while also maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. As the BBC itself notes, "the BBC must still report the results with the impartiality required both by Ofcom and the BBC’s own Editorial Guidelines." By upholding these principles, the BBC can continue to provide trusted and authoritative coverage of elections and other news events.
