Local cable television operators have been advised not to telecast live political events or conduct `talk shows’ without prior permission from the authorities in view of the ensuing Parliamentary elections.
At a meeting on Friday, District Election Officer and Collector A. Annadurai urged cable TV operators to refrain from promoting candidates or political parties in talk shows. Urging them to intimate the the Election Wing about fee charged for various types of advertisements, he said only those advertisements or scrolls that were certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee could be telecast.
Any advertisement aired to wish the contesting candidates or political parties or display of photos or election symbols would also be considered part of total expenses incurred by the contesting candidate.
Requesting them to air election-related clippings released by the Election Commission to ensure 100% participation of voters and the exercise was conducted in a free and fair manner, Mr. Annadurai exhorted them to extend their cooperation without fail when the Election Observers visit them to verify details presented by the candidates or for any other reason. He also urged them to make payments for advertisements in the form of cheque or demand draft and not in cash.
Cable television operators from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Pattukottai divisions participated in the meeting.
Later in the night, the DEO inspected the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activity carried out through the Video Vehicle belonging to the District Information and Public Relations Department at the new bus stand in Thanjavur.
Tiruvarur
Distribution of pamphlets and display of billboards formed part of the SVEEP activities carried out by women self-help groups at Tiruvarur railway station on Friday.
