Tessa Jowell has launched a consultation on the future of party political broadcasts.

The culture secretary said the current rules on PPBs needed to be brought up to date.

Her move follows an Electoral Commission report which set out some proposals for reform.

Jowell said that broadcasts remains "an essential conduit for political parties to speak directly to voters about their policies".

"However, the world of broadcasting has changed beyond recognition in recent years - with an explosion in choice and channels. At the same time successive elections have suffered from a declining turn out," she added.

"This consultation will enable us to ensure that we are using the resources of the modern media to reach voters in the most effective way so that, in tandem with other steps being taken across government, we can engage as many people as possible in the democratic system."

Issued under examination include whether the number of TV and radio channels required to carry party political broadcasts should be expanded.

The possibility of parties being given more PPBs is also raised, although the duration available to parties could also be shortened.

There may also be moves to bring "improved transparency and predictability to the party political broadcasting system".