Ofcom Weighs Sanction Against GB News, Rules Rishi Sunak Q&A Broke Impartiality Rules

Rishi Sunak takes centre stage at the GB News People’s Forum to answer questions on policy. (Screengrab via GB News/YouTube)

Broadcast regulator Ofcom is considering imposing a statutory sanction against GB News after the channel violated due impartiality rules during a Q&A session featuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The media watchdog announced an investigation in February after receiving 547 complaints following Sunak’s appearance on the programme People’s Forum: The Prime Minister, where he took questions from the public.

The probe concluded that GB News failed to present a wide range of significant views, and audience members did not effectively challenge Sunak’s responses. It found that the programme also lacked alternative viewpoints or criticisms of the Conservative Party’s policies.

Ofcom said that the programme allowed Sunak to promote his government’s policies without significant contestation, breaching Rules 5.11 and 5.12 of the Broadcasting Code.

“Given this represents a serious and repeated breach of these rules, we are now starting the process for consideration of a statutory sanction against GB News,” Ofcom stated.

In response, GB News issued its own statement: “Ofcom’s finding against GB News today is an alarming development in its attempt to silence us by standing in the way of a forum that allows the public to question politicians directly.”

Ofcom has found GB News in breach of its rules 12 times since its launch in 2021. Seven investigations are ongoing.

GB News will have the opportunity to make written and oral representations before Ofcom makes a final decision within 60 working days.