Ofcom Demands Meeting with GB News Execs Over ‘Inadequate’ Editorial Control Concerns

GB News host Dan Wootton. (Screengrab via GB News/Youtube)

Media watchdog Ofcom requested a meeting with network executives after detailing wider concerns that GB News had “inadequate” editorial control of its live output, as part of a new ruling Monday.

The regulator published its damning decision Monday that the network had broken broadcasting rules with guest Laurence Fox’s “clearly misogynistic” remarks about journalist Ava Evans on Dan Wootton Tonight in September, following an investigation.

As part of a statement released detailing its decision, Ofcom said: “In light of the circumstances of this case, we have significant concerns about GB News’ editorial control of its live output. We are requiring GB News to provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area for our consideration, and requesting it attends a meeting at our offices to discuss this.”

The investigation found that “Fox’s comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally and were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic.” It also said that host Dan Wootton’s “reaction and limited challenge in response” had “exacerbated [the issue] by contributing to the narrative in which a woman’s value was judged by her physical appearance.”

After the show aired GB News consequently suspended both Wootton and Fox, axing Fox’s contract entirely soon after. The host has remained on suspension ever since.

The network currently faces approximately twelve other investigations being conducted by Ofcom, primarily concerning impartiality regulations. Most recently, the network came under scrutiny for its February People’s Forum featuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.