GB News, a British news broadcaster, has accused Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, of infringing on free speech. The media outlet has initiated a legal challenge against Ofcom after the regulator found that GB News had once again violated impartiality rules. Ofcom’s investigation deemed the breaches to be a “serious matter,” and the regulator is now considering sanctions against GB News. In response, GB News released a statement asserting that it is challenging Ofcom’s decisions because they impede journalists’ and broadcasters’ rights to make independent editorial judgments within the boundaries of the law.
GB News argues that freedom of the press is a civil right that was established in seventeenth-century Britain with the abolition of censorship and licensing of the printing press. The broadcaster vehemently opposes any infringement on freedom of expression and media freedom and pledges to defend these rights, emphasizing that as the “people’s channel,” it champions such freedoms for viewers and listeners across the United Kingdom.
The legal basis for GB News’ challenge lies in its belief that Ofcom is obligated by law to uphold freedom of expression and, consequently, must apply its rules fairly and lawfully. While GB News has not provided further details about its legal avenue at this time, it remains steadfast in its commitment to contest Ofcom’s decisions.
One incident that prompted complaints against GB News occurred during an episode of the “People’s Forum” in February 2024, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak participated in an open Q&A with a live audience. Ofcom received 547 complaints about the program, alleging a lack of due impartiality. The regulator concluded that GB News had failed to present a sufficiently wide range of significant viewpoints and had not preserved due impartiality by offering clearly linked and timely programs. Ofcom expressed concerns that the Prime Minister had an uncontested platform to promote his government’s policies and performance ahead of a UK General Election.
To address allegations of impartiality, GB News released a video on the social media platform X, urging viewers to “make up your own mind” about the claims. The news company asserts that its program adhered to the Broadcasting Code and argues that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are under threat from Ofcom.
In response to Ofcom’s findings, a GB News spokesperson stated that the regulator’s decision was alarming and amounted to an attempt to silence the broadcaster. They expressed concern that Ofcom’s actions impeded democracy by punishing a news organization for enabling direct questioning of the Prime Minister. GB News believes that Ofcom’s claim that the program lacked a wide range of significant views necessary for due impartiality is unfounded.
Ofcom will now consider imposing sanctions against GB News, with the process expected to be completed within 60 working days. The regulator has the authority to impose financial penalties, shorten or suspend licenses, or, in extreme cases, revoke a license. It is worth noting that this is the twelfth time GB News has been found to breach Ofcom’s rules since its launch in 2021.
Ofcom has stood by its decision, asserting that it was made in accordance with its regulatory responsibilities. The regulator maintains that it acted within its mandate to uphold broadcast standards and ensure impartiality in the media landscape.
