Ofcom Fines GB News Over Impartiality Issues

Ofcom has imposed a £100,000 ($130,000) fine on GB News for failing to maintain impartiality during the live show “People’s Forum: The Prime Minister” featuring Rishi Sunak, just before the UK general election.

The regulator found that the Prime Minister had a “mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his Government.”

Ofcom stated, “Given the seriousness and repeated nature of this breach, we have imposed a financial penalty of £100,000 on GB News Limited. We have also directed GB News to air a statement regarding our findings, on a date and in a form determined by us,” marking a rare instance of financial penalties against a UK news outlet.

Ongoing Legal Challenge

GB News is currently contesting the initial decision regarding the breach of the Ofcom code, and the regulator has indicated that it will not enforce the fine until these proceedings are concluded.

Escalating Tensions Between GB News and Ofcom

This action comes amid escalating tensions between GB News and Ofcom. The channel has faced multiple breaches of the Ofcom code, leading to over a dozen investigations since its launch. Recently, Ofcom placed the channel “on notice” following five breaches related to politicians serving as news presenters.

Additionally, GB News faced criticism last year due to Laurence Fox’s derogatory comments about a female journalist, resulting in his dismissal and the exit of presenter Dan Wootton. A separate investigation into Wootton’s show was recently closed, along with five inquiries into the network’s Don’t Kill Cash Campaign.

Persons

Rishi Sunak, Laurence Fox, Dan Wootton

Company Names

Ofcom, GB News Limited

Titles

Don’t Kill Cash Campaign, Dan Wootton Tonight, People’s Forum: The Prime Minister

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