Article 81(1) of the Code states: “During political airtime of news broadcasts, Public Radio and Television must apply an equal time ratio for all parliamentary parties that in the previous parliamentary elections obtained up to 20 percent of the seats in the Assembly. The parties that obtained more than 20 percent of the seats in the Assembly, are entitled to airtime that is allocated equally among them. Each of these parties is entitled to double the amount of airtime of a party that has obtained up to 20 percent of the seats in the Assembly.” This provision raises concern as it treats news coverage as if it is the same as free airtime for political parties. Concerning news coverage, it is commonly accepted that:
Member states should adopt measures whereby the media which are owned by public authorities, when covering election campaigns, should do so in a fair, balanced and impartial manner, without discriminating against or supporting a specific political party or candidate.[17]
