Ofcom raps PTC Punjabi over Punjab government ad

PTC Punjabi has landed in hot water over a 90-second advert it aired during November about the Punjab government.

The advert in question was placed by Political party, Shiromani Akali Dal. It aired 95 times during November 2016. The broadcaster informed Ofcom that the item had not been transmitted in return for payment or other valuable consideration.

As the item consisted solely of a message that provided details of the Chief Minister of Punjab and thanks for various welfare and education schemes introduced by the State Government of Punjab, Ofcom considered that it raised issues under impartiality rules.

PTC Punjabi said the item “explains the schemes run by the Government of Punjab” rather than a political party and “is the equivalent of a public service announcement informing viewers of a government-scheme”.

The channel noted the item “promotes welfare and education schemes by the government of Punjab and refers to the Chief Minister of the Punjab government, Mr Badal”. It said it considered this item to be “the equivalent of naming the Mayor of the London Assembly in a public service announcement of a London community scheme”.

PTC Punjabi said it disagreed with Ofcom’s opinion of the item. It said the material was shown “completely independent of any election process”. The Licensee also said that in the UK, the Government Communications Service runs campaigns “on topics ranging from public health to teacher recruitment and promoting apprenticeships not simply campaigns to raise awareness of a social issue to change public attitudes”. GNM UK highlighted the Public Health England advertisements for One You, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, as an example of political advertising which has been permitted which it felt was the equivalent of the Item for the State Government of Punjab.

Ofcom found the broadcaster in breaches of Rules 5.5 and 9.2 over impartiality and editorial content being distinct from advertising.