Ofcom, the UK’s broadcasting regulator, has issued updated guidance warning broadcasters against using politicians as presenters during election periods and emphasizing the necessity of maintaining due impartiality. The regulator’s warning follows its investigation into GB News, which found the channel in breach of broadcasting rules due to the involvement of three Conservative MPs as newsreaders in multiple episodes of its programs. The updated guidance reinforces the prohibition on politicians serving as news presenters, interviewers, or hosts of any type of program during election periods. While current rules permit politicians to present current affairs shows, they are strictly prohibited from acting as newsreaders, and these rules are further tightened in the run-up to an election. Ofcom’s investigation involved programs hosted by former House of Commons leader Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, as well as minister without portfolio Esther McVey and backbencher Philip Davies. The channel has been warned of potential sanctions in the event of further breaches. Notably, Ms. McVey and Mr. Davies are no longer part of the GB News lineup. Ofcom’s statement highlights the importance of broadcasters maintaining due impartiality ahead of the general election, reminding them of Rule 6.6 of the Code, which prohibits candidates in UK elections from acting as news presenters or interviewers during the election period. Audience research conducted by Ofcom has revealed that while concerns exist about politicians presenting current affairs programs, there is no clear consensus in favor of an outright ban. The updated guidance emphasizes that politicians have an inherently partial role in society, and therefore, news content presented by them may be perceived by audiences in light of that bias, potentially undermining the integrity and credibility of broadcast news. The guidance, however, acknowledges the editorial freedom of broadcasters to create programs that transition between news and current affairs content. However, it cautions that if a politician is hosting a program, they must refrain from acting as a newsreader, news interviewer, or news reporter at any point during that program. Former GB News chairman Andrew Neil has expressed criticism towards Ofcom, urging the regulator to take a firmer stance on the issue of politicians hosting TV programs. He has questioned Ofcom’s parameters on impartiality, highlighting that Nigel Farage, one of the founders of the Reform Party UK, is permitted to present an ‘impartial’ program on a TV ‘news’ channel during the general election, as per Ofcom’s guidelines. He has also raised concerns about the involvement of other Reform Party members in presenting programs leading up to the campaign. Neil has emphasized the need for Ofcom to establish clear guidelines and enforce them effectively. Following Ofcom’s warning, Nick Robinson, the host of BBC Radio 4’s Today program, has also questioned the media watchdog’s parameters on impartiality. He has pointed out that Ofcom’s guidelines allow Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform Party UK, to present an ‘impartial’ program on a TV ‘news’ channel during the general election, while also allowing other Reform Party members to present programs in the run-up to the campaign. Robinson has expressed skepticism about Ofcom’s definition of impartiality in these instances.
Politicians as Presenters: Ofcom Warns Broadcasters of Due Impartiality During Elections
