GB News Fined £100,000 for Impartiality Breach in Rishi Sunak Interview
GB News has been fined £100,000 by Ofcom for breaking impartiality rules during an interview with Rishi Sunak. The media watchdog launched an investigation following 500 complaints about a segment named ‘People’s Forum: The Prime Minister’, where Sunak answered questions from the public on topics like migration and the NHS. Ofcom found that the interview did not provide a wide range of viewpoints and gave Sunak an uncontested platform to promote government policies in the run-up to the General Election.
The interview was filmed in County Durham and broadcast on February 12. Ofcom stated that the programme did not maintain due impartiality as required by broadcasting regulations, violating Rules 5.11 and 5.12 of the Broadcasting Code. GB News is currently challenging this breach decision through a judicial review, which Ofcom is defending. The watchdog will not enforce the financial penalty until the legal proceedings are completed.
In response to the fine, GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos criticised Ofcom’s decision, calling it an attack on free speech and journalism in the UK. Frangopoulos argued that the sanctions were unnecessary, unfair, and unlawful. He highlighted that the High Court had granted GB News permission to challenge Ofcom’s ruling on the programme’s impartiality. Frangopoulos emphasised that GB News aims to uphold due impartiality and comply with regulations but also expects fairness and lawful application of rules from Ofcom.
Frangopoulos defended the ‘People’s Forum’ as a programme of public interest designed to allow direct questioning of politicians by the public. He reiterated GB News’ commitment to championing freedom of speech and expression, especially on political issues and matters of public interest. Frangopoulos stated that the sanctions proposed by Ofcom contradict the watchdog’s duty to safeguard free speech and apply rules proportionately.
The ongoing legal challenge between GB News and Ofcom underscores the complexity of regulatory compliance in the media industry, particularly concerning impartiality standards. The outcome of this case will have implications for how broadcasters navigate the balance between editorial freedom and regulatory obligations. GB News’ stance reflects broader concerns within the media landscape about the boundaries of free speech and the role of regulators in overseeing public discourse.
The fine imposed on GB News for the Rishi Sunak interview highlights the importance of upholding impartiality in broadcast journalism and the challenges faced by media outlets in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. As the case unfolds through the legal process, it underscores the critical role of regulatory bodies like Ofcom in preserving journalistic standards while also respecting the principles of free speech and media diversity.