Ofcom Urges Broadcasters to Maintain Impartiality Ahead of General Election
The media watchdog, with the help of Ipsos pollsters, conducted research to gain insights into audience attitudes towards politicians presenting programs. This comes as broadcasters are cautioned about impartiality rules in light of an upcoming general election.
Recent rulings by Ofcom have highlighted breaches in impartiality rules by GB News, specifically episodes presented by Conservative MPs Esther McVey, Philip Davies, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Following these adjudications, GB News presenters McVey and Davies are no longer with the channel.
With a general election on the horizon, Ofcom reminded broadcasters of the rules regarding impartiality and the prohibition of politicians acting as news presenters during election periods. The publication of the Ipsos research sheds light on how viewers perceive news and current affairs content on television and radio, emphasizing the need for clarity and distinction between the two.
Former GB News chairman Andrew Neil criticized Ofcom’s handling of breaches and urged the regulator to take a stronger stance against politicians hosting TV programs. Meanwhile, SNP MP John Nicholson expressed doubts about Ofcom’s effectiveness in dealing with breaches by broadcasters like GB News.
As the general election approaches, Ofcom is urging broadcasters to adhere to impartiality rules more rigorously, with potential statutory sanctions for any breaches during election programming.
PA Media contributed to this report.
