Judicial review of party broadcasts in Germany and the United Kingdom.

This article examines the possibilities for editorial control of the content of party broadcasts by the broadcasting authorities in Germany and the United Kingdom and focuses, in particular, on the judicial review of this politically sensitive issue. First, it gives a brief overview of the constitutional protection of freedom of speech and media freedom in these two countries. Next, it examines in how far political parties have a right of access to television during and outside of election periods. Finally, the article discusses the limitations to which political speech is subject in Germany and the United Kingdom as these have been interpreted by the courts.