AN interview between two Tory MPs on GB News did not break broadcasting rules, according to Ofcom.
The UK’s media regulator was asked to investigate whether an interview with Suella Braverman conducted by Lee Anderson on his GB News show was in breach of impartiality rules.
However, despite receiving numerous complaints from the public Ofcom ruled that it did not break broadcasting rules because it was classified as a “current affairs programme”.
Ofcom states that it is permissible for politicians to present current affairs programmes as long as they are not standing for election and “due impartiality is preserved”.
A spokesperson said: “Having assessed the nature and format of the programme – which included the combination of a pre-recorded interview, in-depth studio analysis and panel discussion – we were satisfied it was a current affairs programme.
“The programme included an appropriately wide range of significant views on immigration and border control, which were given due weight.”
However, GB News was found to have broken impartiality rules during a different interview with Reform Party leader Richard Tice.
During an interview with Tice conducted by former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney the pair discussed immigration policy.
Both were highly critical of the UK Government’s approach to immigration, with Daubney claiming “we no longer know who walks among us” and calling for a state of emergency to be declared.
Tice agreed that there was a “national security threat” and said it needed to be made clear “that zero are allowed to settle here”.
Ofcom found that the discussion failed to preserve due impartiality, largely because the host and interviewee’s opinions were so similar.
The regulator said: “In accordance with the right to freedom of expression, broadcasters have editorial freedom and can offer audiences innovative forms of discussion and debate.
"However, in light of the likely similarity of the views of the participants in this programme on the major matter being discussed, the licensee should have taken additional steps to ensure that due impartiality was preserved.
“In particular, Mr Tice was allowed to present Reform UK's policies on a matter of major political controversy and major matter relating to current public policy without significant challenge from Mr Daubney.
“We also took into account that Mr Daubney and Mr Tice presented similar views on the matters being discussed.
“We expect GB News to take careful account of this decision in its compliance of future programming."
GB News accepted fault and said that relevant staff will “receive further training focused on the issues raised by this broadcast”.
