GB News shows hosted by Tory MPs broke impartiality rules, says Ofcom
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
On March 18th, 2024, it was revealed that GB News had breached impartiality rules by allowing Tory MPs to act as news readers on the right-wing channel’s programmes, according to broadcast regulator Ofcom. This violation occurred during episodes featuring Conservative MPs Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey, and Philip Davies that aired in May and June of 2023.
Ofcom stated that while politicians are permitted to host TV programmes about current affairs, the channel had violated rules prohibiting politicians from acting as newsreaders, interviewers, or reporters on five occasions. This breach of the broadcasting code, which mandates news to be presented with due impartiality, could potentially damage the integrity and credibility of regulated broadcast news.
The regulatory body emphasized that politicians inherently have a biased role in society, and their presentation of news content is likely to be interpreted by audiences with that perceived bias in mind. As a result, the use of politicians as news presenters poses a risk to the objectivity and trustworthiness of news reporting.
In response to Ofcom’s findings, GB News could face a statutory sanction if it violates the rules again. Possible penalties include financial fines or even having its broadcasting license suspended or revoked. The channel expressed its discontent with Ofcom’s decision, labeling it as a “chilling development for all broadcasters, for freedom of speech, and for everyone in the United Kingdom.”
GB News vowed to address these concerns with Ofcom directly, asserting that the regulatory body is obligated by law to promote free speech and media plurality while ensuring that alternative voices are heard. The channel’s stance on the matter underscores the importance of upholding journalistic standards and independence in broadcasting.
This incident is not the only one that has put GB News under scrutiny. Earlier this year, Ofcom launched an investigation into an episode of People’s Forum featuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over concerns about impartiality. The program, which saw Sunak as the sole guest taking questions from a live audience, prompted over 500 complaints and raised questions about the inclusion of diverse political perspectives.
Moreover, Laurence Fox’s offensive remarks on an episode of Dan Wootton Tonight were deemed “misogynistic” by Ofcom, leading to a violation of broadcasting rules designed to protect viewers from offensive content. Fox’s comments targeting reporter Ava Evans generated over 8,800 complaints and were deemed degrading and demeaning towards women.
These instances highlight the need for broadcasters to adhere to impartiality guidelines and uphold ethical standards in their programming. As GB News faces multiple investigations by Ofcom over its content, the channel must take corrective actions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain public trust in its reporting. Failure to do so could result in further sanctions and reputational damage for the network.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
impartiality
