If the approach of equality is abandoned, there is clearly a wider range of approaches that can be adopted in order to achieve a fair or equitable distribution of broadcasts between the parties or candidates. The main considerations are likely to be:
- a party's strength in previous elections
- the number of candidates it is fielding
There is usually a minimum allocation of time to all parties, or at least to those fielding a certain number of candidates. This is an attempt to address the criticism that an 'equitable' approach is not very fair to new parties.
These calculations are more difficult to make in a presidential election, where a candidate may be standing for the first time. In Brazil, this is overcome by allocating broadcast time in the presidential election on the basis of a party's strength in parliament. In the second-round run-off, time is allocated equally.
These issues are examined in greater detail in A Formula for Allocating Direct Access Slots - South Africa. This section contains a review of some of the different approaches adopted.
South Africa
Broadcasting time is allocated on the basis of a combination of criteria: a minimum allocation to all parties, a portion on the basis of the number of candidates standing and a portion on the basis of past support. The latter is ordinarily measured on the basis of the number of seats held in the outgoing national and provincial legislatures. However, the Independent Broadcasting Authority may take account of opinion polls if it chooses. See A Formula for Allocating Direct Access Slots - South Africa for a more detailed examination of the formula used and 'mex21' for the full text of the formula.
Greece
The three largest parties in the previous Parliament are entitled to at least thirty-eight minutes weekly on televised programmes. Smaller parties with members in the previous Parliament are entitled to eight minutes weekly. Parties with no representation in the Parliament, but with a list of candidates in seventy-five percent of the electoral districts, are entitled to five minutes weekly. In addition, each of the three largest party is entitled to one forty-five minute broadcast. See Formulas for Allocating Time
Spain
Parties that did not win seats in the previous election have ten minutes' broadcasting time. Parties that won less than five per cent of the vote have 15 minutes' broadcasting time. Parties that won up to 20 per cent have 30 minutes and those that won more than 20 per cent have 45 minutes' broadcasting time. See Formulas for Allocating Time.
United Kingdom
The formula for allocation of broadcasting time is reviewed by a committee of broadcasters and political parties at each election. It is roughly as follows: all parties fielding 50 or more candidates are allocated one free broadcast. The two main parties receive equal broadcasting time - usually about five ten-minute broadcasts. The third main party receives slightly less - usually four ten-minute slots. 75
Israel
All parties contesting an election are given a basic allocation of 10 minutes broadcasting time. Parties that were represented in the outgoing Knesset (parliament) receive an additional three minutes for each seat they held. 76
Turkey
All parties contesting the election are entitled to ten minutes broadcasting time. Parties with parliamentary representation may receive an additional ten minutes. In addition, the governing party is entitled to an additional 20 minutes, and the main opposition party to another ten minutes. 77
