Ofcom Clears ITV Over Ed Balls’ Interview with Wife Yvette Cooper Amid Riot Coverage Complaints

Ofcom has decided not to launch an investigation following an incident where Yvette Cooper was interviewed by her husband Ed Balls on ITV's Good Morning Britain. The regulatory body received over 8,000 complaints in August when Mr. Balls, who is a former Labour cabinet minister and frequent host on the show, interviewed his wife, the sitting Home Secretary, regarding the riots currently affecting the UK.

Politics correspondent @FaithLRidler

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 5:

Ofcom, the media oversight body, has decided not to initiate an inquiry following an interview on live television where Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was interviewed by her spouse, Ed Balls.

Mr. Balls, who previously served as a Labour cabinet minister and now frequently hosts on ITV's Good Morning Britain, discussed the ongoing riots across the UK with Ms. Cooper during the show in August.

At that moment, Ofcom reported receiving 8,201 complaints concerning the segment. These included grievances regarding Mr. Balls's interview with Ms. Cooper, as well as issues raised about his interaction with MP Zarah Sultana.

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Following an examination of the grievances, the media watchdog has opted not to pursue additional inquiries.

ITV has received instructions emphasizing the need for "particular care" in future similar interviews to maintain proper impartiality.

An Ofcom representative informed Sky News, "Considering that their association was disclosed twice, that the program overall incorporated various opinions on Labour's management of the riots, and recognizing that Kate Garraway, the co-presenter, conducted most of the interview, we have decided not to take any further action.

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"We have, nonetheless, provided ITV with guidelines advising them to exercise specific caution in the oversight of future interviews to maintain necessary impartiality, considering the obvious challenges that may stem from such editorial choices."

The practice of politicians conducting interviews with fellow politicians has sparked debate recently, particularly following GB News' decision to permit several Conservative MPs who are also presenters to interview their peers.

Since his electoral defeat in 2015, Mr. Balls has transitioned from politics to a career in the media, which included participating in the show Strictly Come Dancing.

The journalist and Ms. Cooper, who have celebrated over a quarter-century of marriage, share three children.

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Prior to the interview in August, the ex-shadow chancellor mentioned he had "real inquiries" for his partner, noting that he had "barely seen her throughout the past week" due to the turmoil in the streets.

During the interview, the majority of the inquiries were conducted by GMB presenter Kate Garraway. However, Mr. Balls took the opportunity to press his wife on claims of "two-tier policing," a term that suggests certain protests and demonstrations receive stricter enforcement compared to others.

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