Ofcom Rules Against GB News Over February Sunak Forum, Sanctions Considered Within 60 Days

May 20, 2024, 09:54 AM

Ofcom has ruled against GB News, stating that the broadcaster broke due impartiality rules during a 'People’s Forum' featuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in February. The forum allowed Sunak to be questioned by viewers without sufficient challenge, leading Ofcom to describe it as a 'serious and repeated breach.' Ofcom is now considering statutory sanctions, which may include a fine, against GB News, with a decision expected within 60 days. The broadcaster has responded by criticizing the ruling as 'alarming' and pledging to continue being 'the voice of the people.' The People’s Forum was intended to feature questions from an independently selected group of voters, but Ofcom found that it lacked a wide range of views. The ruling comes ahead of a UK General Election.