With Bihar's 2025 Assembly polls heating up, the Election Commission of India has launched digital time vouchers, giving recognized national and state parties free access to Doordarshan and All India Radio for campaign broadcasts and telecasts. This initiative, empowered by Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ensures fair media exposure through a tech-savvy IT system.

Broadcast windows open after candidate lists are released for each phase, closing two days before voting day. Timings get locked in via a fair draw of lots, attended by party delegates and Bihar's Chief Electoral Officer team, promoting transparency from the start.

All parties kick off with 45 minutes each on state regional networks of Doordarshan and AIR. Bonus airtime flows to those based on their vote share from the prior Assembly elections, rewarding past performers while including emerging forces.

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Strict protocols apply. Parties must pre-submit scripts, recordings, and adhere to Election Commission rules plus Prasar Bharati's quality benchmarks. Productions can happen in approved studios or at official Doordarshan and AIR facilities to meet broadcast standards flawlessly.

Prasar Bharati adds excitement with up to two panel debates on Doordarshan and discussions on AIR. Eligible parties send one nominee each, guided by an impartial moderator, sparking real-time policy clashes on Bihar's pressing concerns like jobs, floods, and alliances.

This setup boosts democratic outreach, letting parties connect directly with voters sans hefty ad spends. As coalitions shift and stars like Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and BJP heavyweights vie for power, these slots could tip scales in a state known for dramatic upsets. Non-compliance means lost opportunities, enforcing ethics in the electoral arena.

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