GB News Breached Impartiality In ‘Don’t Kill Cash’ Campaign, Ofcom Finds

GB News hosts deliver Don’t Kill Cash petition to Downing Street. (Screengrab via YouTube)

Media regulator Ofcom found GB News guilty of breaching broadcasting rules on due impartiality with its ‘Don’t Kill Cash’ campaign on Monday

The campaign, which aired on GB News’ The Live Desk on July 7th, which aimed to preserve cash as legal tender in the UK until at least 2050, was found to breach broadcasting rules on due impartiality.

Ofcom’s investigation, stemming from numerous complaints, concluded that GB News failed to maintain neutrality on a politically charged issue and in breach of the Broadcaster’s Code.

Ofcom argues that the campaign was not just a call for action but an appeal to influence government policy. With over 160,000 signatures, the campaign highlighted concerns about electronic payments and privacy. However, it’s the manner of the campaign’s promotion, including on-screen messages and a QR code for a petition, that drew Ofcom’s scrutiny. The regulator pointed out the one-sided nature of the program’s coverage, lacking in diverse viewpoints.

This ruling marks a significant moment for GB News, known for its opinionated news style akin to US networks. The channel, often under the scanner for its unconventional approach, faced criticism for blending news with campaigns and marketing tactics.

The case opens a wider dialogue on evolving media practices in the UK. Unlike newspapers, UK broadcasters are restricted from endorsing political campaigns by their Ofcom licence. The incident also highlights Ofcom’s growing role in regulating contemporary broadcasting, navigating a landscape vastly different from the traditional BBC and ITV era.

The media watchdog is also poised to publish outcomes of investigations into five other GB News programs related to the campaign. Additional ongoing investigations by Ofcom are examining the use of serving politicians as presenters on channels like GB News and TalkTV, examining the impartiality of news presentation in an increasingly opinion-driven media environment.