Ofcom has fined GB News for breaching impartiality rules, sparking a legal challenge from the broadcaster.
- The fine relates to “People’s Forum: The Prime Minister,” where Rishi Sunak allegedly had uncontested airtime.
- Ofcom’s investigation highlighted the lack of diverse viewpoints in the program.
- GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos criticized the fine as an attack on free speech.
- A judicial review has been granted as GB News challenges Ofcom’s decision.
Ofcom has issued a substantial fine of £100,000 to GB News for breaching impartiality guidelines. The penalty is connected to ‘People’s Forum: The Prime Minister,’ a live program that aired in February. The investigation by Ofcom concluded that the show failed to present a sufficiently broad range of significant viewpoints and did not maintain impartiality in a timely manner.
The watchdog highlighted that Rishi Sunak, the then Prime Minister, was given a mostly uncontested platform during the period preceding a General Election. This lack of diverse representation in the program breached Rules 5.11 and 5.12 of the Broadcasting Code. The seriousness and repeated nature of this breach led to the financial penalty imposed on GB News Ltd. Additionally, GB News is required to broadcast a statement acknowledging Ofcom’s findings.
GB News has responded strongly to these sanctions. CEO Angelos Frangopoulos expressed that the decision to enforce these penalties is perceived as a direct threat to free speech and journalism in the UK. He argued that the measures were unnecessary and unlawful. Frangopoulos emphasized that the show was intended to provide a platform for the public to pose questions directly to political leaders.
Furthermore, GB News has been granted permission by the High Court to pursue a judicial review challenging Ofcom’s decision. This legal proceeding means that the sanctions are temporarily on hold pending the outcome. GB News maintains that they adhered to the Broadcasting Code and that Ofcom is obligated to preserve freedom of expression and apply regulations fairly.
The ongoing legal challenge by GB News underscores the tension between regulatory compliance and the right to free speech.
