Ofcom found that GB News programs featuring Tory MPs broke broadcasting rules.
The media regulator Ofcom has warned broadcasters of potential penalties if they do not remain unbiased during the general election coverage.
In a post on its website on Wednesday, the watchdog released an article., the watchdog said it was putting broadcasters “on notice” that it would be intensifying enforcement to punish any election bias and issued strengthened industry guidance on rules around using sitting politicians as presenters.
Ofcom mentioned that broadcasters are not allowed to have UK election candidates as news presenters or interviewers during the election period.
Ofcom shared its research on the public’s opinion about politicians presenting current affairs shows for the first time, highlighting that while there were concerns, there is no clear agreement for an outright ban.
The watchdog emphasized that broadcasters using sitting politicians must exercise extra caution.
Ofcom’s warning follows Channel 4’s announcement of its general election team, featuring lead presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy and The News Agents host Emily Maitlis. Former Tory minister Rory Stewart and former New Labour spokesman Alastair Campbell will also contribute. Krishnan Guru-Murthy Emily Maitlis Rory Stewart Alastair CampbellMedia watchdog Ofcom threatened “statutory sanctions” against any broadcaster that breaches impartiality during coverage of the general election in a clear warning from the regulator that demands “the highest levels of compliance.” In an article published on its website on Wednesday, the watchdog said it was putting broadcasters “on notice” that it would be intensifying enforcement to punish any election bias and issued strengthened industry guidance on rules around using sitting politicians as presenters. Rory Stewart and former New Labour spokesman Alastair Campbell.
