- Ofcom Finds GB News Interview with Chancellor Violated Impartiality Rules
- GB News Expresses Disappointment with Ofcom’s Definition of Impartiality
- GB News Faces Multiple Investigations into Impartiality Violations
In an interview with Jeremy Hunt, GB News violated impartiality regulations, the broadcasting watchdog has determined.
Before the March Spring Budget, Philip Davies and Esther McVey, two Tory MPs who present a regular show on the channel, interviewed the chancellor.
The watchdog stated that the interview lacked an “appropriately broad spectrum of significant views.”
GB News expressed “disappointment” with the decision and criticized Ofcom’s definition of impartiality as “vague.”
GB News argued in its submissions to Ofcom that the program, which featured numerous guests, gave “due weight” to opposing viewpoints.
The broadcaster argued that the interview was conducted “from the perspective of ‘the right'” and that it allowed for an unfettered exchange of diverse viewpoints.
This is GB News’ third violation of Ofcom regulations since its inception in June 2021.
The watchdog is currently conducting six additional investigations into potential violations of impartiality on the channel, including two more against shows hosted by the husband-and-wife duo Mr. Davies and Ms. McVey.
Conservative MPs like deputy party chairman Lee Anderson and former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg present for GB News.
Unless exceptional circumstances exist, Ofcom regulations prohibit serving politicians from acting as news presenters, interviewers, or correspondents on television and radio stations. However, politicians may convene discussions regarding current events.
For Mr. Hunt’s pre-recorded Saturday Morning interview with Esther and Phil’s neutrality, Ofcom received 45 complaints on March 11.
Ofcom imposed “heightened special impartiality requirements” on Mr. Hunt’s interview four days before the Spring Statement.
The spring statement, which outlines the government’s economic forecasts and policy for the upcoming months, is the second most significant fiscal event in parliament after the annual Budget.
Ofcom discovered that Mr. Hunt’s interview and subsequent debate largely reflected the views of Conservative Party members.
Ofcom added, “There were very few references to broader perspectives on UK economic and fiscal policy in the context.
Since it was current events, Ofcom said it did not infringe the rules on politicians hosting news programmes.
Ofcom, which has the authority to revoke broadcasting licenses, did not suggest any punishment for the violation of impartiality.
GB News’ spokeswoman said the broadcaster “will reflect on Ofcom’s view.”
They added, “GB News chose to be regulated by Ofcom. And we are proud to contribute to a more diverse media landscape in the United Kingdom.”
We take compliance seriously, and we believe that this is reflected in our program.
