The television presenter Dan Wootton has announced he is leaving GB News to set up an independent platform, and in a parting shot accused the media regulator Ofcom of censorship.
It comes after the watchdog ruled on Monday that a segment on Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News, in which the actor turned politician Laurence Fox made “misogynistic” comments about the female journalist Ava Evans, broke broadcasting rules.
In September Fox, the leader of the rightwing Reclaim party, asked: “Who would want to shag that?” during a conversation about Evans, Joe Media’s political correspondent. Ofcom received 8,867 complaints – making it the most complained-about TV event of the year.
Fox and Wootton, who both apologised, were suspended by the channel after the broadcast. The actor was subsequently sacked. On Tuesday, Wootton said: “I confirm today that I have left GB News to launch my own independent platform www.danwoottonoutspoken.com which will feature a brand new daily news and opinion show from later this year that will not be regulated by the Ofcommunist censors.
“However, yesterday’s chilling Ofcom report clearly raises far bigger issues. How can any British broadcaster truly stand for freedom of expression when state goons have the power to decide what you are and are not allowed to say on air? Unlike the freedoms enjoyed in the US thanks to the first amendment, how can these media outlets ever be anything other than controlled opposition?”
In a note sent to staff by GB News, the rightwing broadcaster said: “Dan Wootton joined GB News before its launch and was a part of the first on-air lineup. Dan is no longer employed by GB News, and we thank him for his contribution and wish him well with his future endeavours.”
