Ofcom Fines GB News £100,000 for Impartiality Breach Over Sunak Interview
GB News has been fined £100,000 by the UK media regulator Ofcom for breaking impartiality rules in a February broadcast featuring then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The program, called People’s Forum: The Prime Minister, showcased Sunak answering questions from a live audience and a presenter. Ofcom claims the setup gave Sunak an “uncontested platform to promote” his government’s policies ahead of a general election, a clear violation of impartiality rules by failing to provide a balanced viewpoint, as required by the Broadcasting Code.
Ofcom stated that the hefty fine was warranted “given the seriousness and repeated nature of this breach.” GB News is also required to air a statement on Ofcom’s findings at a time of their choosing.
GB News criticise Ofcom findings
Angelos Frangopoulos, CEO of GB News, has criticised the decision, calling it “a direct attack on free speech and journalism.”
Frangopoulos argued that the show provided valuable public interest content and allowed citizens to question political leaders directly. However, Ofcom responded that impartiality must still be maintained, especially in programming involving significant political controversy.
GB News has challenged Ofcom’s decision in court, labelling the fine “unnecessary, unfair, and unlawful.”
The High Court has already dismissed an earlier attempt by GB News to block the ruling, though it has granted the broadcaster permission to pursue a full judicial review.
Ofcom has agreed to hold off on enforcing the fine until the legal process concludes.
Impartiality breach not the first time GB News has been flagged by Ofcom
The media watchdog has previously flagged GB News for impartiality issues, including multiple shows featuring Conservative MPs as presenters. In March, Ofcom warned the network that future violations could lead to stronger sanctions. The channel has been under investigation in several instances for allegedly giving politicians excessive control over news content.
Despite the controversies, GB News continues to defend its programming choices, arguing that its editorial decisions align with public interest and the right to free speech.
“The People’s Forum allowed citizens to raise their own concerns with leaders,” Frangopoulos said, adding that the network works to “ensure due impartiality and compliance with the Broadcasting Code.”
