While country-specific regulations differ considerably, in almost all CoE member states public broadcasters are obliged to provide equal free airtime to electoral contestants, particularly on television (except, for instance, Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland). The allocation of free airtime is integral to ensuring all parties, including small ones, are able to present their programmes to the electorate at large. While the allocation of free airtime on state-owned media is not legally mandated through international law, it is strongly recommended that such a provision be included in relevant legislation as a critical means of ensuring an informed electorate (CDL-AD(2010)024, para. 147).