Ofcom’s role
Bill Jamieson’s article, “All in, I win: Cameron’s TV strategy” (Perspective, 15 January), suggests that Ofcom would decide the line-up of possible leaders’ debates ahead of the general election. This is not the case. Ofcom has no role in determining the structure, format and style of any broadcast general election debates that might take place. This is up to broadcasters.
Ofcom’s role is to set rules governing the minimum allocation of party election broadcasts, a duty placed on Ofcom by Parliament.
The broadcasters are able to allocate additional party election broadcasts, to major parties and others, and have a duty to ensure all broadcast coverage is fair, impartial and gives due weight to a range of voices.
Tony Close
Director of content standards
Ofcom