United Kingdom: the GB News channel pinned by the audiovisual policeman
The British audiovisual policeman singles out the conservative television channel GB News, which counts among its presenters several ministers and deputies from the Conservative Party in power.
It is precisely their broadcasts that Ofcom judges to be contrary to the obligation of impartiality of news programs.
British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg, in London in November 2023. AFP - HANNAH MCKAY
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in London,
Émeline Vin
Ofcom, the audiovisual watchdog in the
United Kingdom
, has identified five problematic programs, broadcast in May-June 2023 on the GB News channel.
Two episodes of the daily show by Jacob Rees-Mogg, former minister on the right of the Conservative Party – one of the most fervent supporters of
Brexit
– and three editions of the show by the couple Esther McVey-Philip Davies, two MPs.
In each case, the interview of another politician or the launch of a report on subjects dear to the Conservative Party.
Ofcom's rule is that politicians are allowed to present television programmes, but must stay away from hot news coverage.
However, on these five occasions, the line between journalism and editorial was blurred.
No sanctions for the moment for the channel, created in 2021. But it risks a fine in the event of a repeat offense, or even a revocation of its authorization to broadcast.
However, this is the twelfth time that GB News has breached broadcasting rules – at the time these were other sections of Ofcom's regulations.
The channel's managers denounced a decision "
contrary to freedom of expression
".
Eight investigations remain ongoing against GB News.
Read alsoJacob Rees-Mogg, former British Business Secretary and MP for North East Somerset, attends the State Opening of Parliament at Parliament House in London on November 7, 2023.
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