Watchdog Discovers Broadcasting Violations on GB News: Politicians Play Reporter Roles
GB News, the British television channel known for its alternative perspective and emphasis on free speech, has come under scrutiny once again. Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, recently found that five episodes of GB News programs hosted by Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) violated broadcasting rules. The episodes in question were two episodes of “State of the Nation,” two episodes of “Friday Morning with Esther and Phil,” and one episode of “Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil” that aired between May and June 2023.
Ofcom stated that the episodes failed to comply with Rules 5.1 and 5.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which require news to be presented with due impartiality. The code also prohibits politicians from assuming roles as newsreaders, news interviewers, or news reporters, unless there is exceptional editorial justification. GB News hosted politicians in these roles during sequences that constituted news, including reporting breaking news events, without such exceptional justification. As a result, Ofcom concluded that news was not presented with due impartiality.
GB News responded strongly to Ofcom’s findings, referring to them as a “chilling development.” The channel argued that the use of politicians as news presenters is essential for freedom of speech and that it raises serious concerns about Ofcom’s oversight over its own regulations. GB News emphasized that other Ofcom-regulated services have featured serving politicians hosting programs in the past and continue to do so.
Ofcom, however, maintained its stance, stating that politicians have an inherently partial role in society, and news content presented by them is likely to be viewed with perceived bias. The regulator expressed concerns that the use of politicians as news presenters undermines the integrity and credibility of regulated broadcast news. Ofcom also warned GB News that repeated breaches of the same rules may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction.
This is not the first time GB News has faced scrutiny from Ofcom. Previously, the channel was reprimanded for breaching impartiality rules during an interview with the chancellor of the exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, and was investigated for potentially harmful claims made about the COVID-19 vaccine by journalist Naomi Wolf. GB News has also been under Ofcom’s scrutiny for freedom of speech issues related to vaccine harm claims.
As the controversy surrounding GB News continues, it remains to be seen how the channel will navigate these challenges. The clash between its commitment to alternative voices and Ofcom’s mandate to ensure impartiality raises important questions about the future of broadcast news in the United Kingdom. The implications of this ongoing battle between GB News and the regulator extend beyond one channel, as it speaks to the broader issues of free speech, media plurality, and the boundaries of journalistic integrity.
In conclusion, GB News finds itself in hot water once again as Ofcom uncovers violations of broadcasting rules in several episodes of its programs. The use of politicians as news presenters has raised concerns about impartiality and the credibility of regulated broadcast news. As both sides stand firm in their positions, the outcome of this clash will undoubtedly shape the future of media regulation and freedom of speech in the United Kingdom.
