In a significant development, the UK media regulator Ofcom has decided to close all remaining impartiality investigations concerning politicians’ appearances on television and radio programs. This decision comes in the wake of a recent High Court ruling that overturned Ofcom’s previous findings against Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg’s GB News show, deeming them unlawful.
The High Court’s judgment, handed down last month, deemed that Ofcom had incorrectly concluded that Sir Jacob’s program had violated its impartiality guidelines. Consequently, Ofcom has now halted six ongoing investigations into potential breaches of regulations that prevent politicians from hosting news programs.
Among the individuals who were under investigation were Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for his presence on GB News, Foreign Secretary David Lammy on LBC, and former Conservative minister Jake Berry on TalkTV and Local TV. Additionally, probes into shows hosted by former Brexit Party MEP Alex Phillips and former Reform UK deputy leader David Bull, during his guest hosting stint on TalkTV’s Morning Glory, have also been discontinued.
Notably, Ofcom has also rescinded three previous rulings against GB News programs hosted by Conservative MP Esther McVey and former MP Philip Davies. Angelos Frangopoulos, the chief executive of GB News, expressed satisfaction with these developments, stating that a total of 11 cases against GB News and other broadcasters in the UK have now been either annulled, reversed, or abandoned following the High Court’s ruling.
Frangopoulos affirmed GB News’ commitment to defending its editorial decision-making and the freedom of speech rights of its presenters vigorously. He highlighted the significance of the High Court ruling and the subsequent actions by Ofcom as validations of the broadcaster’s integrity.
Moreover, in response to the High Court’s decision, Ofcom has indicated its intent to review and potentially amend its broadcasting code. The current regulations stipulate that politicians cannot serve as newsreaders, interviewers, or reporters in news programs unless there are exceptional editorial justifications. However, they are allowed to host current affairs shows under the existing guidelines.
Meanwhile, Ofcom has initiated an investigation into remarks made by a presenter on GB News regarding the LGBT community. During an episode of Headliners, presenter Josh Howie sparked controversy by seemingly linking the LGBT community to pedophilia while discussing a sermon delivered by a US bishop. Howie later clarified that his comments were intended as part of a comedy segment and should be viewed in that light.
The broadcast regulator disclosed that it had received numerous complaints directly, with The Good Law Project amassing a substantial volume of grievances as well. Ofcom stated that it is evaluating whether the comments made on the program breached its standards, particularly regarding material that could potentially cause offense.
In response, Frangopoulos defended the program, asserting that he does not believe any rules were violated. The investigation into the contentious segment underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by media outlets in navigating sensitive topics and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
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