BBC : Thank you for your email

This is standard reply 279a generated by the BBC's hard working staff in the complaints department or possibly their clever Turing Machine.

You will get probably get the same if you complain. But please do complain. Numbers are logged even if detailed arguments are not.

And do complain to OFCOM if and when the BNP content is offensive. (Link in Urgent etc earlier today).

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Thank you for your e-mail.

The BBC and other relevant broadcasters transmit Party Election Broadcasts where registered and lawfully constituted political parties qualify under rules which are agreed by and common to all broadcasters and which are scrutinised by the Electoral Commission. It is the legal responsibility of each broadcaster to transmit Party Election Broadcasts. The BBC's Board of Governors agree the eligibility criteria for Party Election Broadcasts transmitted by the BBC. The minimum qualification for a single broadcast in the General Election in any nation in the UK is to stand in one sixth of seats in the nation in question. To qualify for a broadcast in Great Britain a party must stand in one sixth of seats anywhere in GB. The BNP qualify for a single Party Election Broadcast because they are standing in sufficient numbers of seats in these elections. The BBC plays no part in the editorial content of the broadcasts, but these must comply with the law and with some other broadcasting regulations.

As a public service broadcaster the BBC is committed to impartiality in its reporting of political issues. Freedom of expression is a very important democratic right, especially within an election period. The inclusion of such Party Election Broadcasts within our output under these rules is in no way an endorsement by the BBC of the views of the parties concerned.

Thank you again for contacting us.

BBC Complaints Unit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/