Political ads require prior certification: Collector

The Cuddalore District Election Officer and Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar has directed political parties to get their advertisements pre-certified by Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC).

According to an official release, recognised parties and candidates must apply for certification at least three days before the proposed broadcast. Applications will be examined and processed within 48 hours. Unrecognised parties and other applicants are required to apply at least seven days before.

Advertisements, including in newspapers, television channels, local cable networks, social media, theatres and other audio-video visual mediums, should be released only after prior approval from the MCMC. Media houses should publish advertisements only after securing permission from the MCMC.

The committee members would also monitor news channels and take cognisance of any code violations, the DEO said.