Recently, the media regulator Ofcom discovered that five episodes of GB News programmes hosted by sitting conservative MPs violated broadcasting regulations. Two episodes of Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation and three of a show led by married MPs Esther McVey and Philip Davies were among the shows. According to Ofcom regulations, politicians are not allowed to host news programmes. Nonetheless, GB News claimed that the distinction between news programmes and current affair shows was “unclear.”
GB News launched its news channel in June 2021, promising to present opinions that were different from the mainstream media. The station aimed to give a voice to underrepresented opinions and provide an alternative to the leading broadcasters. The channel, which had a moderate start in terms of ratings, has been embroiled in disputes since its inception, with various sponsors withdrawing their financial assistance.
The latest Ofcom decision will be looked upon as yet another blow, with the regulator’s ruling prompting GB News to cancel Rees-Mogg’s show as well as the episode presented by McVey and Davies. GB News has been forced to take action multiple times after the regulator’s decisions. Ofcom ruled against the station in July for violating impartiality regulations, forcing them to run scripts on-air stating that they were in violation of regulations.
It appears that GB News, like its rivals, is struggling, despite its debut mission to distinguish itself from other broadcasters. The station has struggled to maintain its ratings, taking the bottom spot among news broadcasters during at least one week in July. GB News now has a difficult task ahead in regaining its popularity while also keeping regulator conflicts to a minimum
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