Ofcom has found the satellite channel Loveworld in breach of UK broadcasting rules over Coronavirus disinformation for a third time.
This time, presenters of the Full Disclosure programme made a number of materially misleading and potentially harmful statements about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines. According to Ofcom, these were made without scientific or other credible basis. Comments were made “without sufficient context or challenge”. Ofcom said broadcasters had a legitimate reason to discuss and scrutinise the public health response to the pandemic. But Loveworld’s presentation of misleading claims risked potential serious harm to viewers, particularly at a time when people are likely to be seeking reliable information relating to the UK’s vaccination programme.
The channel has already been fined £125,000 over previous breaches of broadcasting rules surrounding pandemic disinformation. It will now have to air a statement from Ofcom reporting the findings of its investigation.
Ofcom is now considering whether to impose further sanctions against the broadcaster. This could include a full revocation of its broadcast licence.