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New party: Lijst 0

Youth broadcasting corporation BNN wants to convert its political programme Lijst 0 (List 0) into a full-fledged political party; apparently as a kind of reality show.

The Lijst 0 programme was invented during the 2002 elections and repeated in 2003 and 2006. It aimed at giving the youth (late teens, early twenties) an overview of politics (and, incidentally, politicians a way to reach the young voters). It is succesful.

The broadcaster has now made the next logical step by founding the Lijst 0 party, so that viewers can watch the process, elect a party leader and candidates and (presumably) decide on a platform.

The Media Commissariat reacted that public broadcasting companies are explicitly prohibited from founding political parties, and that it will reject this extraneous activity by BNN.

BNN replied that the creation of a party is a vital necessity for the creation of a TV programme, which is an activity explicitly allowed to broadcasting corporations. In its view the Commissariat cannot decide the case before having seen the programme.

Politics as reality TV. That was bound to happen, I suppose. Still, I doubt whether this format will escape the national arena to run amok worldwide, as Big Brother did.

I will start paying attention to Lijst 0 when it wins at least one seat in one poll. Mind you, that could happen.

(Source: Volkskrant)

Update: Won't happen. Creating a party is really not allowed for a broadcasting corporation.

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