Latest news with #BroadcastingCode
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
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.'
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Celebrity Big Brother star left fearing people were 'watching him through mirrors' after show
The 2007 series of Celebrity Big Brother saw the likes of late Jade Goody take part in the show, but one contestant from the same series has opened up on how badly it hit their mental health. Celebrity Big Brother, the reality show known for locking celebs away from the outside world and their often glamorous lives for three weeks while their every move is monitored by cameras, has had a profound impact on some of its participants. One such star has recently shared his experience, weeks after his departure. Just last week, Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd was crowned the winner of the second ITV series of the show. The programme first aired in 2001 on Channel 4 before transitioning to Channel 5. Since its inception, hundreds of celebrities have entered its doors. Now, H from Steps, who appeared on the show in 2007, has revealed his feelings of paranoia post-exit, as reported by the Mirror. "It does affect your mental health," the star confessed to The Sun, adding that "the aftercare is better these days". He continued: Because when you're in there, people are watching you at night. And back then, you could watch people sleeping 24 hours," he elaborated. "I came out of there – and it was ridiculous because I know it wasn't sane – but I would think people were watching me through mirrors for weeks afterwards." H also alleged that during his time, no aftercare was provided once you left the house. "You did it and you were left to fend for yourself," he stated. The Steps member participated in the 2007 series, which garnered global attention due to a racism scandal involving comments made by the late Jade Goody and other housemates towards Shilpa Shetty, who ultimately emerged as the series winner. Following the show, Jade issued an apology for any offence caused by her remarks, acknowledging that they could be perceived as racist. Shilpa later informed the press that she had forgiven Jade, despite Ofcom determining that the channel had violated the Broadcasting Code. This year, the programme faced a slew of Ofcom complaints from viewers due to Hollywood star Mickey Rourke's homophobic slurs directed at Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa, leading to his agreed exit after "instances of unacceptable behaviour". The ITV show received 1,010 Ofcom complaints from viewets at home regarding their episode on April 9, where Mickey expressed his desire that he "wanted to get the lesbian out". Subsequently, the Hollywood actor mentioned he "needed a fag," while heading to the smoking area and then pointed at JoJo, remarking: "I'm not talking to you." Article continues below Mickey was summoned to the diary room and received a formal warning from Big Brother. When questioned if he grasped why his words might be offensive to fellow housemates and viewers, he responded: "Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celebrity Big Brother star left thinking people were 'watching him through mirrors' after show
A former Celebrity Big Brother star has opened up about the mental impact the show had on him - as he said he was left 'paranoid' people were watching him behind mirrors Celebrity Big Brother sees famous faces shut themselves away from the outside world for three weeks, giving up their privacy as cameras watch their every move. Now, one star has opened up about the impact the show had on him, weeks after leaving. Last week, Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd took the crown in the second ITV series of the show. However, the show first aired in 2001 on Channel 4, before moving to Channel 5. Since the first ever series, hundreds of celebrities have walked through the doors. Now, H from Steps who starred in the show in 2007 has opened up about feeling paranoid after leaving the house. "It does affect you mental health," the star told The Sun, after stating that "the aftercare is better these days". "Because when you're in there, in the night time people are watching you. And back then you could watch people sleeping 24 hours," he continued. 'I came out of there – and it was ridiculous because I know it wasn't sane – but I would think people were watching me through mirrors for weeks afterwards." H then claimed that back then, there was no aftercare provided once you left the house. "You did it and you were left to fend for yourself," he said. The Steps star featured on the 2007 series, which gained worldwide coverage due to the racism controversy centred on comments made by Jade Goody and fellow housemates towards Shilpa Shetty, who eventually went on to win the series. After the show, Jade apologised for offence caused by her comments, stating she understood how they appeared racist. Shilpa later told the media she forgave the star, although Ofcom ruled that the ruled that the channel had breached the Broadcasting Code. This year, the show recieved a number of Ofcom complaints for Mickey Rourke's homophobic comments towards JoJo Siwa before he was removed following "instances of unacceptable behaviour". The ITV show was hit with 1,010 Ofcom complaints for their episode which aired on April 9, in which Mickey said he "wanted to get the lesbian out". Later on, the Hollywood star revealed he "needed a fag," as he made his way to the smoking area before pointing to JoJo and saying: "I'm not talking to you." Mickey was later called to the Diary Room and given a formal warning by Big Brother. Asked if he understood how his language could be offensive to housemates and the public, the star said: 'Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it.
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE TNT Sports receive 102 complaints over 'BIASED' commentary by Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage in Man United's comeback win over Lyon
TNT Sports stand accused of broadcasting biased commentary after the excitable reaction by Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage to Manchester United 's Europa League win over Lyon – with only Celebrity Big Brother on ITV raking in more complaints with Ofcom in the aftermath. Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire each scored deep into extra time to send United into the semi-finals. Ofcom reveal weekly which transmissions receive more than 50 complaints from viewers and between April 15 and 21, United's victory ranked second in the list with 102 in total. Sources at Ofcom confirmed to Mail Sport that they relate to alleged biased commentary, with the next day's showing of Celebrity Big Brother bringing in 125. TNT had a camera on the commentary box showing Darren Fletcher as the lead commentator standing in between Ferdinand and Savage. The broadcaster uploaded the comm-cam footage to their socials afterwards showing Ferdinand twice screaming 'oh my God' when Mainoo equalised. United looked to be heading out, before they scored three goals right at the end of extra time He was punching the air next to a smiling Savage, who shouted: 'Go and get the winner!' Ferdinand added: 'I believe in miracles. Wow.' They then went further wild when Maguire followed up with his unlikely winner to make sure United reached the semis, where they will face Athletic Bilbao. Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt would await in the final if Ruben Amorim's side make it through. Commentary legend Clive Tyldesley likened the broadcast involving Ferdinand and Co to 'MUTV' on a blog he uploaded afterwards. Every time Ofcom receives a complaint, they assess it under the Broadcasting Code to see if it requires further investigation. Ferdinand has previously attracted attention for his approach to covering games, such as when he repeated the words 'Ballon d'Or' after Vinicius Junior had scored for Real Madrid in the 2024 Champions League final versus Borussia Dortmund. He was working for TNT at that Wembley showdown.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Christian TV channel fined £150,000 by Ofcom for ‘claiming miracle water cures cancer'
Ofcom has fined religious channel Word Network £150,000 after a programme claimed 'miracle water could cure cancer.' The regulator said it has 'imposed a financial penalty of £150,000 on Word Network Operating Company.' This was, it said, because the channel was in breach of broadcasting rules. The show in question was Peter Popoff Ministries - which is presented by American televangelist Peter Popoff. The media watchdog said two episodes had 'potentially harmful claims' by advertising the water would 'improve serious health conditions or financial situations'. 'Ofcom was particularly concerned that the programmes included repeated statements and testimonials about the efficacy of the water, claiming or strongly implying the water cured serious illnesses, including cancer,' it said. In 2023, the watchdog found the programme 'in breach' of the Broadcasting Code's rules that cover protecting the public from harmful material, a requirement for religious programmes to 'not improperly exploit the susceptibilities of the audience', and to not promote 'products, services and trademarks' during programmes. 'While having regard to the broadcaster's and audience's rights to freedom of expression and religion, we considered the claims that contacting the ministry, or using its 'Miracle Spring Water', were effective ways to improve serious medical illnesses or financial difficulties, went beyond proclamations of faith and religious teachings and practice,' Ofcom added. 'Given the seriousness of the breaches and in order to remedy the potential harm to viewers, Ofcom has also directed the licensee not to repeat the programmes, and to broadcast a statement of its findings in this case, on a date and in a form to be determined by Ofcom.' On May 10 2023, Popoff and his wife Liz Popoff featured a woman on an episode of his show that claimed someone with lung cancer had their health improved after using Miracle Spring Water, and the guest herself said she benefited financially from using the product. Liz said: 'Peter, this lady used the Miracle Spring Water. She was broke, she was destitute, she had nothing. But after using the Miracle Spring Water, what did God do?' The guest replied, saying how she got a job, a home and a car after using the water. Another woman appeared on the programme claiming that the water product helped with paying her mortgage. The same year, on May 9's programme, people claimed that the water helped with drug addiction, diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and poor finances. Both episodes featured a pre-recorded instructional video on how to order the product, Ofcom said. In its original report, Ofcom said: 'Word Network argued that Peter Popoff had been broadcasting his 'Miracle Spring Water shows' for many years without any problems, and it was 'abusive' of Ofcom to 'all of a sudden raise an issue'.' Ofcom said the channel also accused it of 'double standards', saying that nudity and pornography was allowed 'with no problem' by the media watchdog, but not a 'wholesome religious channel' that gave people comfort. In 2023, Ofcom imposed financial penalties of £25,000 each for religious satellite channel Loveworld and Bauer Radio over breaches. The watchdog has previously decided to revoke the licence of RT (Russia Today) UK, which had been taken off-air in the UK due to sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, following fines of £200,000 for 'previous due impartiality breaches'.
