Ofcom Launches Investigation into GB News Following Record Complaints
Ofcom has announced a formal investigation into comments made by a GB News presenter on 22 January, after a record-breaking number of complaints were filed with the communications regulator. The controversy arose when a presenter on the news discussion show Headliners repeated a harmful and widely debunked falsehood linking the LGBTQ+ community to paedophilia.
The Good Law Project spearheaded a campaign to facilitate public complaints to Ofcom, resulting in an unprecedented 71,582 complaints. This figure surpasses the previous record of 54,595 complaints against Piers Morgan in 2021, highlighting the public’s deep concern over GB News’ handling of the issue.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
Many supporters of the campaign voiced their outrage, accusing GB News of using the LGBTQ+ community as a “political football” and employing divisive rhetoric similar to tactics used by far-right groups. Others pointed out that such unfounded allegations endanger lives and contribute to a hostile social climate.
In response to the backlash, Ofcom confirmed in its latest bulletin that it would be investigating “comments made by the presenter related to the LGBTQ+ community”. This move has been welcomed by advocacy groups and concerned citizens alike, who argue that GB News has repeatedly broadcast inflammatory content without sufficient regulatory intervention.
GB News’ Defence and Wider Implications
GB News has attempted to defend its position by invoking the principle of free speech. However, legal precedents and LGBTQ+ rights organisations have consistently condemned the false narrative linking LGBTQ+ people to paedophilia as one of the most insidious and persistent forms of homophobic misinformation. The High Court has previously described this claim as “one of the oldest, most pernicious and most stubbornly ineradicable falsities or myths of homophobia”.
Good Law Project’s Head of Campaigns and Communications, Agustina Oliveri, has welcomed Ofcom’s decision to investigate what she termed a “channel of hatred”. She criticised the regulator for allowing GB News to broadcast content featuring racism, misogyny, and homophobia unchecked, calling for decisive action to hold the platform accountable.
Pressure on Advertisers
In addition to filing complaints with Ofcom, campaigners have extended their efforts to organisations that advertise on GB News. One of the key advertisers under scrutiny is Sky, which not only advertises on the channel but also acts as a broker for other businesses.
More than 19,800 individuals have emailed Sky’s CEO, urging the company to cease funding a platform that promotes hate speech. Despite this significant public pressure, Sky has yet to issue a response.
The Future of GB News Under Regulatory Scrutiny
This investigation represents a crucial test of Ofcom’s ability to regulate media content and address the growing concerns over hate speech in British broadcasting. With public pressure mounting, the outcome of this inquiry could set an important precedent for ensuring accountability in the media industry.
For those wanting to stay informed and take action, campaigns continue to encourage public engagement in holding media organisations and advertisers accountable for the content they support.
