GB News warned it faces 'significant fines' in fresh Ofcom warning

GB News has been warned it is facing significant fines if it continues to breach impartiality rules put in place by the media regulator.

Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes was speaking after Ofcom found GB News in breach of broadcasting rules when three Conservative MPs acted as newsreaders across five different episodes of its programmes.

Nevertheless, the watchdog stopped short of preventing politicians from acting as presenters of political shows, prompting a rebuke by BBC presenter Nick Robinson.

Speaking to the BBC’s Justin Webb on Radio 4, Dame Melanie said: “I don't think anyone should be in any doubt that for a broadcaster to be found in breach as GB News have been so many times over the past year is a very significant step for them.

“And we've put them on notice that that does need to improve.”

Mr Webb then interjected by asking: “Notice of what?”

Dame Melanie replied: “Well that fines and sanctions may follow if that record doesn't improve.”

Mr Webb said: “Right, you are saying they potentially could be fined significant amounts of money if you find them in breach again, and indeed, if LBC is found in breach?”

Dame Melanie added: “Well, this is how the rules work. And we're very clear about that.

"We're very public about how we assess programmes we always publish detail on what we found and why.

“And we have a very clearly established set of rules on how we impose fines and sanctions and the circumstances in which we do that.”

Ofcom's investigation involved shows presented by former House of Commons leader Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, as well as minister without portfolio Esther McVey and backbencher Philip Davies, and the channel was warned about potential sanctions if there are further breaches.

Husband and wife Ms McVey and Mr Davies are no longer involved in the GB News line-up.

An Ofcom statement released today said: "Broadcasters are reminded that Rule 6.6 of the Code prohibits candidates in UK elections from acting as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of programme during the election period."

Under current rules politicians are allowed to present current affairs show but not act as newsreaders, and the rules are tightened in the run-up to an election.

The statement added: "With a general election due to take place before 25 January 2025, we are sounding a warning to broadcasters to maintain the highest level of due impartiality, in line with our enhanced rules that apply during election periods.

"Any breaches of election programming rules are likely to be serious and to result in Ofcom considering the imposition of statutory sanctions."

New audience research by the regulator found that while there are "concerns" about politicians presenting current affairs programmes, there is "no clear consensus for an outright ban".

Updated guidance reinforces the prohibition on politicians presenting news and "reminds broadcasters that, because politicians have an inherently partial role in society, news content presented by them is likely to be viewed by audiences in light of that perceived bias, which would risk undermining the integrity and credibility of broadcast news".

The guidance does state that broadcasters "retain editorial freedom to create programmes which move between news and current affairs content" but cautions that if a politician is the host of a programme "they must ensure they do not act as a newsreader, news interviewer or news reporter at any point in that programme".

On Tuesday former GB News chairman Andrew Neil said Ofcom needs to "grow a backbone and quick" over the issue of politicians hosting TV programmes.

He told peers: "It may be because the rest of the broadcast universe is on the centre, centre-left so it gave GB news a bit more leeway to settle down.

"I am surprised that any regulator would allow politicians sitting in the Houses of Parliament to present political TV programmes.

"If I had stayed as chairman it would not have happened because I would not have had any politician present a TV show in the first place, and I would certainly never have allowed politicians to interview politicians from the same party.

"I just find that incredible and I think on these areas Ofcom needs to find a backbone and quick."

Posting on X, Mr Robinson, the host of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said: "So, Nigel-Farage - one of the founders & owners of reformparty-uk - can present an 'impartial' programme on a TV 'news' channel during the general election according to the broadcasting regulator Ofcom.

"The leader of the party TiceRichard & its only MP LeeAndersonMP- can present programmes in the run-up to the campaign alongside Jacob-Rees-Mogg.

"Is that your idea of impartiality?"