Media regulator Ofcom has initiated four new investigations into GB News following complaints that the channel violated impartiality rules. The investigations focus on three episodes of shows hosted by Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs), which are being scrutinised in relation to a rule prohibiting politicians from acting as news presenters.
GB News, which launched in 2021, has faced significant local opposition and scrutiny over its programming content. Ofcom’s investigations stem from concerns that the channel may have broken rules on impartiality and political involvement in news programming.
Three shows hosted by Conservative MPs are currently under investigation:
1. *State of the Nation* hosted by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, which aired on June 13, covering a stabbing incident in Nottingham.
2. *Friday Morning with Ester and Phil*, hosted by Philip Davies and Esther McVey, which aired on May 12 and addressed topics including the sentencing of a teenager for terrorism offences.
3. *Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil*, also hosted by Davies and McVey, aired on May 13 and included an interview with Howard Cox, the Reform UK Party’s candidate for the London mayoral election, who was participating in an anti-Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) demonstration.
Additionally, an episode of Laurence Fox’s show, guest-presented by Martin Daubney on June 16, is being investigated for potential breaches of rules on due impartiality regarding a discussion about immigration and asylum policy.
Ofcom’s investigations raise questions about GB News’ adherence to impartiality rules, which require news to be presented with due impartiality and a range of significant views. This marks another instance of scrutiny over the channel’s programming content.
This adds to the three other ongoing Ofcom investigations into the channel, including inquiries into the content of specific shows and campaigns. As the investigations progress, the implications for the future of the channel’s programming and compliance with regulatory standards remain uncertain.
