GB News Scores Major Victory Over Ofcom Amid Trump Controversy
In a twist worthy of a late-night talk show, GB News has come out swinging after a landmark legal victory against Ofcom, the UK’s media watchdog. The High Court sided with the channel following a complaint about a report by presenter Jacob Rees-Mogg, affirming that Ofcom had overstepped its rocky boundaries by claiming that GB News had breached broadcasting rules in two episodes of Mogg’s State Of The Nation show. The scandal? Mogg discussed a jury’s finding that former President Donald Trump was liable for sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll.
For those unfamiliar with UK broadcasting laws, Ofcom argued that Mogg, a former Conservative minister, was breaching rule 5.3, which normally forbids politicians from acting as newsreaders in news programs unless justified. But here’s where it gets spicy: the court found that the distinction between news and current affairs programs was being blurred by Ofcom. Mrs. Justice Collins Rice clarified that State Of The Nation is predominantly a current affairs show – and since 5.3 only applies to bona fide news programs, GB News was in the clear.
The implications? GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos jubilantly declared the ruling as a “vindication” of their commitment to free speech in the UK. He called upon the UK government to take Ofcom’s misstep seriously, especially now that GB News is breaking records in audience engagement. Apparently, this channel is in touch with those communities craving more diverse perspectives.
While the court ruled in favor of GB News, it didn’t let Ofcom off the hook entirely. An Ofcom spokesperson acknowledged the ruling but stated that they would consult on revising rule 5.3 to clarify the role of politicians in broadcasting. Former Ofcom director Chris Banatvala has previously pointed out that the rule is outdated and needs a serious review, especially since it was crafted nearly two decades ago in a landscape vastly different from today when politicians regularly front shows.
So here we are: a legal squabble with ramifications for the UK’s broadcasting landscape and a juicy backdrop involving Trump that only amplifies the drama. Who knew that legal battles could be so entertaining?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Deadline, The Guardian, The Independent
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