{"id":37308,"date":"2023-09-28T17:01:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T15:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1898414"},"modified":"2023-09-28T17:42:09","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T15:42:09","slug":"ofcom-launches-new-investigation-into-gb-news-as-it-clarifies-rules","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/ofcom-launches-new-investigation-into-gb-news-as-it-clarifies-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Ofcom launches new investigation into GB News as it clarifies rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

The GB News investigation has been launched by Ofcom after Tuesday’s episode of Dan Wootton Tonight. <\/p>

By Morgan Cormack\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 28 September 2023 at 15:01 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Ofcom has now launched an investigation into Tuesday\u2019s (26th September) episode of Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News after receiving around 7,300 complaints about the programme.<\/p>\n

Under Ofcom\u2019s rules of offence, an investigation has been opened under Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, which states that in applying generally accepted standards, broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context.<\/p>\n

On the announcement of the investigation, Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said: \u201cOver the last few days there has been speculation and commentary about our role as the independent broadcast regulator. These are important issues and I wanted to be clear about our rules.<\/p>\n

\u201cParliament sets objectives on how the broadcast sector should be regulated. We set and enforce rules to achieve these objectives. Contrary to some claims, these rules remain unchanged.\u201d<\/p>

Her statement continued: \u201cThey are designed to protect audiences from offensive and harmful material, and to uphold the integrity of broadcast news and current affairs programming, while always ensuring that freedom of expression is front and centre in every decision we take. This is highly valued by audiences and central to our democracy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe decisions we take, always based on facts and evidence once a programme has aired, are vital if we are to protect our vibrant media landscape. We continue to apply and enforce these rules without fear or favour.\u201d<\/p>\n