Free TV election advertising for all parties
Radio and television in Germany: ahead of an election, every registered political party is allowed to advertise itself without having to pay to do so.
Who pays for election campaign adverts on German TV and radio?
In principle, political parties are allowed to advertise free of charge on German television and radio. TV and radio stations are obliged to broadcast political parties’ ads ahead of an election and are not allowed to charge for doing so. This is a condition of their broadcasting licence.
Why do radio and TV stations in Germany have to broadcast election campaign adverts?
When they are granted their broadcasting licence, all radioand television stations in Germany must undertake to broadcast the adverts of registered political parties free of charge in the run-up to an election. According to Germany’s Basic Law, the federal states are responsible for licensing and overseeing broadcasters. These rules do not apply to all media, as the press has complete decision-making freedom.
Are broadcasters allowed to reject disagreeable political adverts?
They have to broadcast the adverts of the parties. Adverts that violate the law are the only exception: they can be rejected. Among other things, it is prohibited in Germany to deny the Holocaust, to glorify National Socialism and to incite violence. If an advert is to be rejected, courts will ultimately rule whether the rejection is lawful.
Does political advertising always have to be broadcast?
Election advertising may only be broadcast on radio or television during the four weeks leading up to a Bundestag election. The rest of the time political parties are not allowed to advertise themselves - even if they are willing to pay to do so.
How many adverts is each party allowed to broadcast?
Every party that is running in a particular federal state is entitled to a certain amount of airtime. This is determined by the party’s size and significance, as well as by the number of its members and its most recent election result. According to the Federal Constitutional Court, the lower limit for the smallest parties is two adverts in the four weeks before an election.
Why are radio and TV stations required to broadcast election advertising at all?
This is rooted in the democratic idea that even small parties with little money and virtually no public profile should be granted at least a certain presence on the radio and television.
Where, apart from on the radio and TV, do political parties advertise themselves?
The Basic Law explicitly protects the right to election campaign advertising. The same rules apply as to adverts on radio and television: it must not contravene any laws. Political parties can place adverts in the press. They can also apply to local municipalities for permission to engage in billboard advertising, set up information booths or stage assemblies and demonstrations in public spaces. The municipalities are obliged to approve such advertising, so long as it does not raise any serious safety concerns.
