Times Radio found in breach of Ofcom rules over election item

Ofcom has ruled that a Times Radio programme presented by Alexis Conran breached its broadcasting rules during the 2024 General Election period.

The ruling relates to an item broadcast on 29 June last year as part of a weekend feature called “Elevator Pitches”, where candidates from various political parties were invited to explain why voters should support their party.

During the Saturday edition, Conservative candidate Mark Garnier, standing for Wyre Forest, used part of his time to list local investment projects in his constituency. This led Ofcom to determine that the segment had become a “constituency report”, triggering additional requirements under election broadcasting rules.

Under Rule 6.9 of the Broadcasting Code, if a constituency is discussed by a candidate during an election, other candidates in the same area must be given the same opportunity. Ofcom found that no other Wyre Forest candidates were featured.

Additionally, Rule 6.11 prohibits a candidate from making constituency-specific points in an election broadcast unless equal opportunity is given to others in that constituency. Ofcom found that Mr Garnier had referenced several local projects, including new GP surgeries, town centre developments, and hospital services.

Although the broadcaster Talksport, which holds the licence for Times Radio, had briefed candidates and presenters to focus only on national issues, Ofcom concluded that the initial question asked of Mr Garnier opened the door for constituency-specific comments.

Ofcom said the incident showed the item became a constituency discussion, giving the Conservative candidate a potential electoral advantage.

Talksport accepted the ruling and said it would take extra steps in future to avoid similar issues.