Views: responses called for

The future of party political broadcasts is up for review, the watchdog in charge of political elections says this weekend.

Whether we allow the nation's leaders into our homes to persuade us they are right while parading questionable knitwear during primetime viewing is to be scrutinised by the Electoral Commission.

The elections watchdog wants to know if handing over media slots to political parties, a practice which has remained unchanged for decades, is still relevant in the age of satellite TV and the internet.

The impact they now have must also be questioned given the record low turnout at the 2001 general election.

The commission is inviting comments by February 15 for a discussion paper which will be published on its website.

The paper will contribute to a recommendations report to be produced in the spring, which will outline options for the future of party political broadcasts.

Stephen Judson, electoral policy manager at the commission, said every option was under consideration.

"The review is wide-ranging and will take into account the changing media and political environment, the allocation of free broadcasts, and consider the case for paid political advertising," he said.