Ofcom Flags GB News Over Sunak Show; Network Denies Bias Claims Amid Impending Sanctions

Ofcom determines GB News violated regulations during Rishi Sunak interview

The network promptly responded to the decision, rejecting the claim of rule violations and noted that neither the producers nor the Prime Minister had prior access to the interview questions.

Monday, May 20, 2024, 1:

GB News might be sanctioned following a broadcast featuring Rishi Sunak that violated broadcasting regulations.

Ofcom, the regulatory authority, announced it is contemplating a formal penalty following its determination that 'People's Forum: The Prime Minister' violated impartiality rules.

GB News described the situation as "a disturbing trend" that "targets the core of democratic values."

The program, which was broadcast on February 12 and lasted for an hour, featured the prime minister answering questions from the audience. It garnered 547 complaints.

In March, Ofcom reported that five GB News shows, which had politicians, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, serving as hosts, violated impartiality regulations.

The oversight body stated that the program with Mr. Sunak was acceptable in concept, but emphasized that a "sufficiently broad spectrum of important perspectives" beyond just those of the Conservative Party should have been considered.

These events should have occurred within the program itself or during other directly related and appropriately timed broadcasts.

The statement indicated that Mr. Sunak primarily had an unchallenged opportunity to advocate for his government's policies and achievements ahead of the upcoming UK General Election.

"The statement continued, noting that GB News had violated sections 5.11 and 5.12 of the Broadcasting Code."

Further reading: Telegraph bidder Marshall to resign from board of GB News ownerDan Wootton departs GB News to start his own 'platform'

Stay informed about the most recent developments from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

"Attack on the core of democratic principles"

The network promptly responded to the decision, rejecting claims that it violated any impartiality regulations.

"The warning from the regulatory body to impose penalties on a media outlet for facilitating public questioning of the prime minister is a direct attack on democratic principles during a period when they are exceedingly crucial," it stated.

Discover further details on Sky News: Inquiry determines infected blood tragedy was no accident. Assange succeeds in gaining approval to appeal US extradition.

"The channel stated that their live show allowed a carefully chosen group of undecided voters to freely question the Prime Minister without any interruptions."

The statement confirmed that both the producers and the Prime Minister were not privy to the questions in advance, and Mr. Sunak faced relentless questioning on a wide variety of subjects.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites