UK media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into broadcasting standards into TalkTV, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and GB News after receiving complaints.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in possible breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has emerged in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into GB News following an interview given by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the news program “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip “. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the conservative party in government. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Ofcom revealed it is investigating an episode of ‘State of the Nation’ on GB News, which aired on May 9, after receiving 40 complaints. Hosted by Conservative Member of Parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg, the episode covered breaking news about a verdict in a civil trial involving former US President Donald Trump.
“Our investigation will examine the programme’s compliance with our rules which prevent politicians acting as newsreaders on any news programme, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified,” Ofcom said.
Ofcom has also launched an investigation into Talk TV’s ‘Richard Tice’ programme, presented by Alba party leader and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond on April 2, to see if the program is in breach of Ofcom’s rules which require it to present news and current affairs. due impartiality. Ofcom received two complaints about this programme, specifically in relation to a discussion about the Scottish National Party. Tice is the leader of the Reform UK party.
“The rules around politicians presenting programs were first introduced in 2005. Given the increase in the number of current affairs programs presented by sitting politicians and the recent public interest in this issue, we are carrying out new research to assess current audience attitudes toward these programs. This will be carried out by an expert investigative agency and we aim to publish the findings later this year,” Ofcom said.
