Ofcom summons GB News to attend a meeting over concerns over the channel’s editorial control of its live output after the channel is once again found to have breached Ofcom rules.
- Broadcast regulator says Dan Wootton Show featuring Laurence Fox broke broadcasting code.
- Comments against Ava Evans prompted 8,867 complaints to Ofcom
- Ofcom found that Fox’s comments constituted a highly personal attack on Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers.
Ofcom has found controversial opinion-led news broadcast GB News in breach of its broadcasting rules again. The regulator says it’s concerned about a lack of editorial control over its live output.
The 26th September 2023 edition of Dan Wootton Tonight featuring Laurence Fox saw Fox make comments about female political journalist, Ava Evans. The comments prompted 8,867 complaints to Ofcom. Viewers expressed concerns that his remarks were sexist, misogynistic and offensive.
In the wake of the programme, GB News removed both presenters from the channel and Ofcom started an investigation.
Ofcom investigation
Ofcom found that Fox’s comments constituted a highly personal attack on Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers.
The regulator said Wootton’s reaction and limited challenge in response “did not mitigate the potential for offence. Rather, they exacerbated it by contributing to the narrative in which a woman’s value was judged by her physical appearance.”
In reaching its decision, Ofcom noted it had taken careful account of broadcasters’ and audiences’ right to freedom of expression. It also considered a range of relevant contextual factors.
Its verdict:
“Taking into particular account that Fox’s misogynistic comments were directed at an individual, went largely unchallenged by the presenter, and the absence of any apology in the programme itself, Ofcom does not consider that the significant potential for offence was justified by the context in this case. It has therefore found the programme in breach of [broadcasting code] Rule 2.3.”
The programme is the latest in a line of broadcasting rule infringements that the channel has clocked up since its launch in 2021.
Ofcom’s facing pressure for being too slow or reluctant to deal with complaints regarding the channel.
Meanwhile, Ofcom says it has “significant concerns” about GB News’ editorial control of its live output.
As a result, GB News will be ordered to provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area for Ofcom’s consideration. Representatives from the channel will be required to attend a meeting at Ofcom’s offices to discuss the matter.
Marc Thornham
[Image: GB News stock]