Ensure contents of NaMo-TV are pre-certified, EC directs Delhi CEO
The Election Commission (EC) is learned to have directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi yesterday to ensure that the contents of NaMo TV are pre-certified by the local media certification and monitoring committee. Such committees are formed at district and state levels during polls and they clear the political campaign and advertisements. To recall, NaMo TV was launched on March-31, infuriating the Opposition.
Was the TV content certified at any time, asks EC
Last week, the Commission had issued a notice seeking a report from the I&B Ministry on NaMo TV after Opposition parties, including Congress, asked the poll body to direct the ministry to suspend the channel in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The EC has also asked the CEO to inform whether the political contents were cleared at anytime by the certification committee.
NaMo-TV is an advertisement platform launched by DTH: I&B
In its response, the I&B Ministry is learned to have responded that the NaMo TV is an advertisement platform launched by DTH service providers, which does not require government nod. The ministry is also learned to have said that NaMo TV is not a regular channel and it does not figure in the official list of approved channels of the I&B Ministry.
BJP will have to file expenditure-statement on NaMo-TV with EC
As per the existing norms, no approval is required from the ministry to run such advertising platforms, the Information and Broadcasting ministry is learned to have told the poll panel. However, the saffron party will have to account for all expenditure on the NaMo TV in its election expenditure statement that has to be filed with the Election Commission.
