Ofcom will review its rules after receiving hundreds of complaints about politicians presenting news programmes, the broadcasting regulator’s chief executive has said.
Writing in The Telegraph, Melanie Dawes said politicians’ new roles as TV or radio presenters have “sparked vigorous debate” and Ofcom has a duty to ensure its rules “remain effective.”
She said the regulator has already launched new research to “build a comprehensive picture of audience attitudes towards these programmes,” and will release its findings later this year.
Her remarks came after Ofcom announced that it has opened two investigations into news programmes presented by political figures.
‘Due Impartiality’
In order to maintain the expected level of “due impartiality” in news programmes, Ofcom rules stipulate: “No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer, or reporter in any news programmes unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified. In that case, the political allegiance of that person must be made clear to the audience.”Where non-news content is concerned, Ofcom said: “Outside of news programmes, there is no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving politician or political candidate from hosting or appearing on a TV or radio show—provided they aren’t standing in an election taking place, or about to take place.
“This means that politicians are allowed to present current affairs programmes, such as audience phone-ins, but they must make sure a range of views is reflected in their programme.”
The rules differ during election and referendum periods, during which any political candidates “must not present any TV or radio programme,” including “programmes that have no discussion of politics or current affairs.”
‘Vigorous Debate’
In her article, the Ofcom boss wrote: “Outside news programmes, our rules have always allowed presenters to give their own views on controversial political matters on air, as long as other viewpoints are reflected.“However, one area which has sparked vigorous debate recently—and which some argue stretches the principle of due impartiality to its limits—is the rise of the politician as the presenter.”
Complaints Trigger Investigations
Ofcom announced on Monday that it has launched a new broadcast standards investigation into an episode of Rees-Mogg’s State of The Nation show on GB News on May 9, during which he read out a breaking news story about a court case involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.The media watchdog said it received 40 complaints objecting to the Conservative MP acting as a newsreader.
An Ofcom spokesperson said, “We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules, which prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified.”
The regulator said it will also investigate an episode of Talk TV’s Richard Tice presented by Alex Salmond on April 2.
Ofcom said it received two complaints regarding the impartiality of the programme, specifically in relation to a discussion on whether the Scottish National Party was “holding back the course of independence.”
The media regulator added that it is still investigating an edition of GB News’ “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” broadcast on March 11, which stars the husband-and-wife duo (Esther McVey and Philip Davies) who are both serving MPs.
