Ofcom proposes huge change to rules on politician presenters after GB News drama
Ofcom has proposed changes to the Broadcasting Code after a High Court judge quashed two of its decisions against GB News around politician presenters earlier this year
Ofcom has announced that it's proposing a change to the Broadcasting Code's rules on politicians becoming presenters after being told by a High Court judge to reconsider its ruling against GB News earlier this year. Back in February, a judge quashed two of Ofcom's decisions against GB News after the regulator found that five of its programmes - including one hosted by Jacob Rees-Mogg - had broken impartiality and content regulations rules.
Now, Ofcom has revealed that it is consulting a chance to a rule within the broadcasting code and its guidance following the High Court's judgement. "The proposed change aims to make it clear to broadcasters that a politician cannot be used as a newsreader, news interviewer or news reporter in any type of programme, unless there is exceptional editorial justification," Ofcom said yesterday.
"Politicians would still be able to present programmes under this rule change. But they would not be able to present news – regardless of the nature of the programme, without exceptional editorial justification."
They added that the proposed change comes after the High Court's judgement provided clarity that in law "a programme cannot be considered both a news programme and a current affairs programme at the same time".
The regulatory body also said that it hopes for the rule to "better reflect the evolving media environment" with the rise of politicians becoming presenters on TV. "The distinction between news and current affairs content has become more blurred and the use of politicians to present programmes has become more common," they continued.
In the High Court judgement, Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled that Ofcom's decisions against GB News were 'vitiated by error of law' and that they 'conflated a news programme and a current affairs programme'. She added: "It remains open to Ofcom, in law, to pursue investigations into either or both broadcasts as a potential breach."
Back in October, Ofcom imposed a fine of £10,000 on GB News for "breaking due impartiality rules" during an interview with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. As a result of the High Court judgement, Ofcom were ordered to pay for any legal costs incurred by GB News.
GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said in a statement at the time: 'This landmark decision by the High Court vindicates GB News' position as the fearless defender of Free Speech in the United Kingdom.
'Our court victory is hugely significant for the entire British broadcasting industry. We are proud that we were the only media company prepared to have the courage of our convictions.
'Ofcom has been found to have acted unlawfully so much so that it even breached Human Rights law. I call on the Government and Parliament to consider the seriousness of this fundamental failure by Ofcom.'
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