Ofcom sanctions local radio station for breach of rules

ELECTION CANDIDATE WAS NOT MEANT TO BE ON AIR

- ALISON STEPHENSON

OFCOM, the communications regulator, has ruled that a Devon radio station breached rules when it allowed a presenter to go on the airwaves whilst standing as a candidate in a Plymouth City Council by-election.

The ruling follows a complaint from a listener about the Gavin Marshall Show on DevonAir Gold, during the run-up to a by-election in January.

Mr Marshall, an independent candidate for Moor View, submitted his nomination on December 13 last year and, under rules to ensure fairness in elections, was not permitted to broadcast until voting closed a month later.

Following a complaint by a listener, Ofcom concluded that, although Mr Marshall’s show was music-based, with no political coverage or mention that he was standing for council, the broadcast itself disadvantaged other candidates.

The regulator said the rule exists “to help secure the integrity of the democratic process, and the public’s trust in that integrity, by preventing any unfair electoral advantage being afforded to a particular candidate.”