Timely rebuke for OFMDFM's political advertising
23 May 2011
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA:-
“I greatly welcome OFCOM’s unequivocal and comprehensive finding in favour of my complaint that OFMDFM indulged in political advertising in the promotion of their sordid Hillsborough Agreement, contrary to the requirements of the Communications Act 2003.
“OFCOM’s ruling and language could not have been more dismissive of OFMDFM’s pitiful attempt at justifying their blatant abuse of public service advertising rules.
“OFCOM’s findings are crystal clear:-
· The Joint First Minister’s radio advert was not of a ‘public service nature’, nor was its purpose to inform or educate the public, but it was designed to promote their Hillsborough Agreement politically and positively;
· The content was such that it amounted to ‘political advertising’, which, of course, is prohibited in public service advertising.
· The advert, again in breach of the law, sought to promote the political interests of the Joint First Ministers.
“I now call upon OFMDFM to apologise for their abuse of public service advertising rules and for those who wrongly expended public money in this flagrant fashion to recompense the public purse for the money wrongfully spent.
“In the context of an OFMDFM used to bulldozing its way out of any situation, I’m glad OFCOM had the courage to stand up to them.”
The OFCOM finding is online here.
