An Ofcom investigation has concluded that a programme aired on GB News breached due impartiality rules. The weekly debate programme, presented by Martin Daubney on June 16, 2023, focused on immigration and asylum policy in the context of the controversy over small boats crossing the English Channel. Ofcom received a complaint about the show and found that GB News should have taken additional steps to ensure due impartiality was preserved.
During the programme, Martin Daubney interviewed the leader of the Reform Party, Richard Tice, and presented views on immigration and asylum policy with insufficient challenge. Ofcom’s investigation found that the programme did not include and give due weight to an appropriately wide range of significant views, as required by the Broadcasting Code.
GB News accepted that the content was not compliant with the heightened special impartiality requirements, and Ofcom expects the channel to consider this decision in its compliance with future programming.
In a separate assessment, Ofcom evaluated an episode of Lee Anderson’s Real World that aired on September 29, 2023, featuring an interview with Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Ofcom concluded not to investigate this programme, stating that it met the requirements of the Broadcasting Code.
In a statement they said “the programme, dealing with immigration and border control, included an in-depth studio analysis and a panel discussion. Ofcom was satisfied that the programme, led by Conservative Party Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson, met the requirements by presenting an appropriately wide range of significant views on immigration and border control, given due weight. GB News employed editorial techniques, including challenging statements and diverse perspectives during the panel discussion, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the topic”.
Ofcom has 12 further investigations open in regards to GB News including a one with suspended presenter Dan Wootton
