U.K. media regulator Ofcom published “strengthened” industry guidance and issued a warning to broadcasters on Wednesday after recently finding that news network Gb News, which is often described as the British equivalent of the Fox News Channel, had breached regulations around politicians moonlighting as TV news presenters.
“Following a series of decisions about programs presented by politicians found in breach of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 of (the Ofcom Broadcasting Code) – a number of important learnings for broadcasters have been hardwired into strengthened industry guidance,” it said.
Rule 5.1 says that “news, in whatever form, must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality.” Rule 5.3 states: “5.3: No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programs unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified. In that case, the political allegiance of that person must be made clear to the audience.”
The updated guidance “reminds broadcasters that, because...
“Following a series of decisions about programs presented by politicians found in breach of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 of (the Ofcom Broadcasting Code) – a number of important learnings for broadcasters have been hardwired into strengthened industry guidance,” it said.
Rule 5.1 says that “news, in whatever form, must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality.” Rule 5.3 states: “5.3: No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programs unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified. In that case, the political allegiance of that person must be made clear to the audience.”
The updated guidance “reminds broadcasters that, because...
- 4/24/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Any British broadcaster who breaches general election programing rules will be hit with an Ofcom sanction, the regulator has said, a warning likely informed by a number of Gb News breaches over the past year.
In a strongly-worded broadside to the broadcasting community, Ofcom said it is putting broadcasters “on notice to maintain due impartiality ahead of the general election.”
“In particular, broadcasters are reminded that Rule 6.6 of the Code prohibits candidates in UK elections from acting as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of programme during the election period,” Ofcom said today.
The right-leaning Gb News has been found to be in breach a number of times for its practice of having politicians host news programs, with the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey and Phillip Davies falling foul. Gb News has been investigated more than a dozen times for a variety of potential breaches by Ofcom...
In a strongly-worded broadside to the broadcasting community, Ofcom said it is putting broadcasters “on notice to maintain due impartiality ahead of the general election.”
“In particular, broadcasters are reminded that Rule 6.6 of the Code prohibits candidates in UK elections from acting as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of programme during the election period,” Ofcom said today.
The right-leaning Gb News has been found to be in breach a number of times for its practice of having politicians host news programs, with the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey and Phillip Davies falling foul. Gb News has been investigated more than a dozen times for a variety of potential breaches by Ofcom...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A still frame from a program aired by Gb News. (Courtesy image)
Five television programs aired by upstart channel Gb News were found to have violated Britain’s news impartiality rules, according to media regulators there.
On Monday, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) said the five programs were hosted by conservative members of parliament (MPs), and that it was “deeply concerned” by the channel’s use of sitting politicians to host news and current affairs programs.
Under British media regulations, sitting politicians are not allowed to deliver news reports or otherwise act as television journalists. Additionally, news programs are expected to air segments that are not aligned with any political party or movement.
The five programs that were found to violate Ofcom’s rules include a May 9 broadcast in which MP Jacob Rees-Mogg covered the verdict in a civil case involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and a broadcast...
Five television programs aired by upstart channel Gb News were found to have violated Britain’s news impartiality rules, according to media regulators there.
On Monday, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) said the five programs were hosted by conservative members of parliament (MPs), and that it was “deeply concerned” by the channel’s use of sitting politicians to host news and current affairs programs.
Under British media regulations, sitting politicians are not allowed to deliver news reports or otherwise act as television journalists. Additionally, news programs are expected to air segments that are not aligned with any political party or movement.
The five programs that were found to violate Ofcom’s rules include a May 9 broadcast in which MP Jacob Rees-Mogg covered the verdict in a civil case involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and a broadcast...
- 3/19/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Ofcom has delivered its biggest Gb News judgement yet, finding the network in breach on five different occasions over the thorny issue of politicians acting as news presenters.
Ofcom said Gb News is now “on notice that any repeated breaches of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction” that could include a fine. Sanctions can also include a direction not to repeat content, a direction to broadcast a correction or a statement of Ofcom’s findings and, in the most serious cases, shortening, suspending or revoking a licence.
The shows found to have been in breach are two episodes of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, two episodes of Friday Morning with Esther and Phil, and one episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, broadcast during May and June 2023. These episodes broke the part of the Ofcom code that says, “News, in whatever form,...
Ofcom said Gb News is now “on notice that any repeated breaches of Rules 5.1 and 5.3 may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction” that could include a fine. Sanctions can also include a direction not to repeat content, a direction to broadcast a correction or a statement of Ofcom’s findings and, in the most serious cases, shortening, suspending or revoking a licence.
The shows found to have been in breach are two episodes of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, two episodes of Friday Morning with Esther and Phil, and one episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, broadcast during May and June 2023. These episodes broke the part of the Ofcom code that says, “News, in whatever form,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ofcom has delayed publishing research on politicians presenting news shows until the UK media regulator has reached crucial rulings on Gb News.
Ofcom committed to publishing the audience study last year but the regulator has told Deadline that it will now hold back the findings until completing its work on Gb News.
A spokesperson said: “Our research project is ongoing and not yet complete. We will publish it in due course. Our first priority is to conclude the live investigations.”
As detailed in a Deadline analysis on Gb News’ regulation, Ofcom has five live investigations into whether the channel broke a UK broadcasting rule that forbids sitting MPs from presenting news shows.
Rule 5.3 of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code states: “No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programmes unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified.”
The investigations concern Gb News broadcasts between May 12 and...
Ofcom committed to publishing the audience study last year but the regulator has told Deadline that it will now hold back the findings until completing its work on Gb News.
A spokesperson said: “Our research project is ongoing and not yet complete. We will publish it in due course. Our first priority is to conclude the live investigations.”
As detailed in a Deadline analysis on Gb News’ regulation, Ofcom has five live investigations into whether the channel broke a UK broadcasting rule that forbids sitting MPs from presenting news shows.
Rule 5.3 of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code states: “No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programmes unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified.”
The investigations concern Gb News broadcasts between May 12 and...
- 1/8/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Like it or loath it, Gb News is a trailblazer.
The news station, backed by Brexit-supporting billionaire Paul Marshall, crash-landed on British screens in June 2021, but overcame tech and studio fails to establish itself as a genuine force, with a loyal following of around 3M viewers a month and an ability to set the agenda — if not always for the right reasons.
The channel provoked Rupert Murdoch into launching TalkTV and forced Sky News, the established commercial leader, into a major rethink of its schedule. Gb News is now the channel of choice for over half of Tory party members, the people who picked Britain’s prime minister in 2022. Former Pm Boris Johnson will join its presenting ranks as early as this month, Deadline hears.
In securing this foothold, Gb News’ brand of opinionated broadcasting has begun to reinvent the idea of a news channel in the UK. It has...
The news station, backed by Brexit-supporting billionaire Paul Marshall, crash-landed on British screens in June 2021, but overcame tech and studio fails to establish itself as a genuine force, with a loyal following of around 3M viewers a month and an ability to set the agenda — if not always for the right reasons.
The channel provoked Rupert Murdoch into launching TalkTV and forced Sky News, the established commercial leader, into a major rethink of its schedule. Gb News is now the channel of choice for over half of Tory party members, the people who picked Britain’s prime minister in 2022. Former Pm Boris Johnson will join its presenting ranks as early as this month, Deadline hears.
In securing this foothold, Gb News’ brand of opinionated broadcasting has begun to reinvent the idea of a news channel in the UK. It has...
- 1/8/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Boris Johnson, the British prime minister who resigned from office last year mired in controversy, has signed as a presenter for Gb News, the provocative British news channel.
Gb News said Johnson will join as a presenter, program maker, and commentator next year. It did not disclose the value of his deal.
“Gb News is an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following. I am excited to say I will be joining shortly – and offering my frank opinions on world affairs,” Johnson said.
“I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain – as well as the challenges – and why our best days are yet to come.”
We’re delighted to announce some very exciting news…https://t.co/BRg8ZgTy1X pic.twitter.com/FD0wz0Urkt
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 27, 2023
Johnson was forced to quit as Pm after a string of scandals, including hosting staff parties...
Gb News said Johnson will join as a presenter, program maker, and commentator next year. It did not disclose the value of his deal.
“Gb News is an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following. I am excited to say I will be joining shortly – and offering my frank opinions on world affairs,” Johnson said.
“I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain – as well as the challenges – and why our best days are yet to come.”
We’re delighted to announce some very exciting news…https://t.co/BRg8ZgTy1X pic.twitter.com/FD0wz0Urkt
— Gb News (@Gbnews) October 27, 2023
Johnson was forced to quit as Pm after a string of scandals, including hosting staff parties...
- 10/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is joining controversial network Gb News as an anchor and producer.
Johnson, who is set to start his role in the new year, will play “a key role in the channel’s coverage of both the U.K. general election and the U.S. elections next year,” the network said in a statement.
He is also set to create and host a new series about “the power of Britain around the world” and will also occasionally anchor live specials in front of audiences around the U.K.
“Hi folks, Boris Johnson here,” the former leader said in a video announcing the move. “I’m excited to say I’m shortly going to be joining you on Gb News. And I’m going to be giving this remarkable new TV channel my unvarnished views on everything from Russia, China, the war in Ukraine — how we...
Johnson, who is set to start his role in the new year, will play “a key role in the channel’s coverage of both the U.K. general election and the U.S. elections next year,” the network said in a statement.
He is also set to create and host a new series about “the power of Britain around the world” and will also occasionally anchor live specials in front of audiences around the U.K.
“Hi folks, Boris Johnson here,” the former leader said in a video announcing the move. “I’m excited to say I’m shortly going to be joining you on Gb News. And I’m going to be giving this remarkable new TV channel my unvarnished views on everything from Russia, China, the war in Ukraine — how we...
- 10/27/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s broadcast standards investigation into Gb News has found the channel to be in breach of its impartiality rules.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program about the upcoming budget. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party.
Ofcom received 45 complaints from viewers who raised concerns that the program had failed to preserve due impartiality.
The investigation found that “the program was overwhelmingly reflective of the viewpoints of different strands of opinion within the Conservative Party. There were only very limited references to wider perspectives on U.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program about the upcoming budget. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party.
Ofcom received 45 complaints from viewers who raised concerns that the program had failed to preserve due impartiality.
The investigation found that “the program was overwhelmingly reflective of the viewpoints of different strands of opinion within the Conservative Party. There were only very limited references to wider perspectives on U.
- 9/18/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Ofcom has found Gb News to be in breach of due impartiality rules in a landmark ruling pertaining to an episode of Esther McVey and Phillip Davies’ show.
The regulator’s investigation concluded that an episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, which aired on Gb News on March 11, failed to “represent and give due weight to an appropriately wide range of significant views on a matter of major political controversy and current public policy.”
The right-leaning news network therefore breached rules 5.11 and 5.12 of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code on impartiality, following 45 complaints.
This is the third time Gb News has breached Ofcom’s rules but the first regarding the controversial move to have politicians present topical shows and interview other politicians. There are six more investigations of this ilk currently open.
In the show found in breach, McVey and Davies, members of the ruling Conservative Party, interviewed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt...
The regulator’s investigation concluded that an episode of Saturday Morning with Esther and Phil, which aired on Gb News on March 11, failed to “represent and give due weight to an appropriately wide range of significant views on a matter of major political controversy and current public policy.”
The right-leaning news network therefore breached rules 5.11 and 5.12 of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code on impartiality, following 45 complaints.
This is the third time Gb News has breached Ofcom’s rules but the first regarding the controversial move to have politicians present topical shows and interview other politicians. There are six more investigations of this ilk currently open.
In the show found in breach, McVey and Davies, members of the ruling Conservative Party, interviewed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt...
- 9/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Four more Ofcom investigations have been opened into under-fire UK network Gb News, including the first into Laurence Fox’s show.
The regulator has just revealed it is probing a number of shows from the past few weeks that may have fallen foul of the Broadcsting Code preventing politicians from acting as newsreaders, along with various impartiality issues.
Fox’s show Laurence Fox, which was guest hosted by Martin Daubney, is being investigated over whether “due impartiality was preserved on matters of major political or industrial controversy” after it featured an interview with Reform UK leader Richard Tice on the hot-button small boats issue. Right-wing actor Fox presents a daily show talking to topical issues with his “unique and outgoing style,” according to the network, which used to be backed by Discovery.
Episodes of a news show hosted by Conservative politicians Esther McVey and Philip Davies are being investigated twice...
The regulator has just revealed it is probing a number of shows from the past few weeks that may have fallen foul of the Broadcsting Code preventing politicians from acting as newsreaders, along with various impartiality issues.
Fox’s show Laurence Fox, which was guest hosted by Martin Daubney, is being investigated over whether “due impartiality was preserved on matters of major political or industrial controversy” after it featured an interview with Reform UK leader Richard Tice on the hot-button small boats issue. Right-wing actor Fox presents a daily show talking to topical issues with his “unique and outgoing style,” according to the network, which used to be backed by Discovery.
Episodes of a news show hosted by Conservative politicians Esther McVey and Philip Davies are being investigated twice...
- 8/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As three separate investigations involving serving politicians also acting as newsreaders are underway, Melanie Dawes, chief executive of U.K. media regulator Ofcom, has clarified the body’s position on the matter.
In an article originally published in the Telegraph and subsequently on the Ofcom website on Tuesday, Dawes wrote: “The Broadcasting Code is clear that serving politicians cannot be a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news program, unless there is an exceptional editorial justification. And in those exceptional cases, their political allegiance must be made clear to the audience. News programs will usually involve newsreaders directly addressing the audience, and may include reporter packages or live reports, with a mix of video and reporter items.”
Dawes added that outside of news programs, such as current affairs formats which typically feature more in-depth discussion, analysis, interviews and long-form video reports, there’s no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving...
In an article originally published in the Telegraph and subsequently on the Ofcom website on Tuesday, Dawes wrote: “The Broadcasting Code is clear that serving politicians cannot be a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news program, unless there is an exceptional editorial justification. And in those exceptional cases, their political allegiance must be made clear to the audience. News programs will usually involve newsreaders directly addressing the audience, and may include reporter packages or live reports, with a mix of video and reporter items.”
Dawes added that outside of news programs, such as current affairs formats which typically feature more in-depth discussion, analysis, interviews and long-form video reports, there’s no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving...
- 7/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
UK regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into shows hosted by politicians on Gb News and TalkTV, including one featuring a segment on Donald Trump’s civil trial.
The first investigation concerns former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation for right-leaning Gb News in which the recently-knighted Boris Johnson supporter covered a breaking news story about the verdict involving the former Potus.
State of the Nation received 40 Ofcom complaints. Both Gb News and TalkTV have of late been using politicians to host topical shows but they have consistently stayed within the realms of the regulator’s Broadcasting Code as they are allowed to interview other politicians and discuss topical issues as long as due impartiality is met. Rees-Mogg’s show may have strayed as politicians are not allowed to act as newsreaders unless under “exceptional circumstances.”
The regulator will also investigate an episode of Talk TV’s Richard Tice...
The first investigation concerns former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation for right-leaning Gb News in which the recently-knighted Boris Johnson supporter covered a breaking news story about the verdict involving the former Potus.
State of the Nation received 40 Ofcom complaints. Both Gb News and TalkTV have of late been using politicians to host topical shows but they have consistently stayed within the realms of the regulator’s Broadcasting Code as they are allowed to interview other politicians and discuss topical issues as long as due impartiality is met. Rees-Mogg’s show may have strayed as politicians are not allowed to act as newsreaders unless under “exceptional circumstances.”
The regulator will also investigate an episode of Talk TV’s Richard Tice...
- 7/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched broadcast standards investigations into TalkTV, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and Gb News after receiving complaints.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Ofcom revealed that it is investigating an episode of “State of the Nation” on Gb News, which aired on May 9, after receiving 40 complaints. Presented by Conservative member of parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg, the episode covered a breaking news story about a civil trial verdict involving former U.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Ofcom revealed that it is investigating an episode of “State of the Nation” on Gb News, which aired on May 9, after receiving 40 complaints. Presented by Conservative member of parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg, the episode covered a breaking news story about a civil trial verdict involving former U.
- 7/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Controversial former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced he is stepping down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect.
He made the stunning announcement after receiving the findings of an investigation into whether he knowingly misled Parliament over the so-called Partygate scandal, in which he and his staff were accused of wantonly breaking social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Privileges Committee of the House of Commons is reported to have found him guilty and recommended he be suspended for more than 10 days.
Johnson suggested he was being hounded out of parliament in his bombshell resignation letter on Friday evening.
“I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament,” he wrote.
“They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons…...
He made the stunning announcement after receiving the findings of an investigation into whether he knowingly misled Parliament over the so-called Partygate scandal, in which he and his staff were accused of wantonly breaking social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Privileges Committee of the House of Commons is reported to have found him guilty and recommended he be suspended for more than 10 days.
Johnson suggested he was being hounded out of parliament in his bombshell resignation letter on Friday evening.
“I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament,” he wrote.
“They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons…...
- 6/9/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Chris Shaw has left the building. The Oscar-nominated British news executive is calling it quits after an on-off love affair with news producer ITN that has spanned 40 years, affording him a front-row seat to the biggest stories of his generation. Semi-retirement beckons, but not before a valedictory interview.
So is this Shaw unleashed? Has he, as Andrew Marr memorably put it when he left the BBC, found his voice after being constrained by ITN’s duty to impartiality? Not quite. It will take more than a jolly phone interview to break the habit of a career. But there is little doubt that he is looser-lipped on his final day at the office — and that’s good news because few are better placed than Shaw to reflect on the state of news in the UK.
His decorated résumé includes helping Rupert Murdoch launch Sky News in 1989 and, nearly a decade later,...
So is this Shaw unleashed? Has he, as Andrew Marr memorably put it when he left the BBC, found his voice after being constrained by ITN’s duty to impartiality? Not quite. It will take more than a jolly phone interview to break the habit of a career. But there is little doubt that he is looser-lipped on his final day at the office — and that’s good news because few are better placed than Shaw to reflect on the state of news in the UK.
His decorated résumé includes helping Rupert Murdoch launch Sky News in 1989 and, nearly a decade later,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A royal historian was accused of assault live on Gb News last night after she covered the mouth of a fellow guest during an ill-tempered exchange on the climate crisis.
Dr Tessa Dunlop put her hand on Jerry Hayes, a former Conservative Party lawmaker, during the debate on Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State Of The Nation. She immediately apologized.
Hayes was invited by host Mogg, himself a serving Conservative MP, to make some closing remarks following the show’s earlier interview with a Just Stop Oil activist.
Hayes said climate crisis protesters had to obey the law, before being interrupted by Dunlop. As they both spoke over each other, Dunlop raised her hand to Hayes’ mouth to silence him.
“Don’t touch me,” he raged. “That was an assault, that was an assault.” Dunlop quickly responded: “I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to assault you.”
Mogg said: “Thank you to both my panelists,...
Dr Tessa Dunlop put her hand on Jerry Hayes, a former Conservative Party lawmaker, during the debate on Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State Of The Nation. She immediately apologized.
Hayes was invited by host Mogg, himself a serving Conservative MP, to make some closing remarks following the show’s earlier interview with a Just Stop Oil activist.
Hayes said climate crisis protesters had to obey the law, before being interrupted by Dunlop. As they both spoke over each other, Dunlop raised her hand to Hayes’ mouth to silence him.
“Don’t touch me,” he raged. “That was an assault, that was an assault.” Dunlop quickly responded: “I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to assault you.”
Mogg said: “Thank you to both my panelists,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a slew of serving U.K. politicians nabbing high-profile TV jobs, media regulator Ofcom has clarified the rules around such a career move.
The regulatory body has confirmed that politicians are allowed to present TV and radio shows but cautioned “there are some exceptions.”
In particular, because of Ofcom’s rules about impartiality, it dictates that serving politicians are not allowed to participate in any news programs as an anchor, interviewer or reporter “unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified.” If it is the case a justification can be made, the audience must still be alerted to the politician’s political allegiance.
That leaves the political class free to host pretty much anything outside of news, including current affairs shows, although Ofcom warns: “they must make sure a range of views are reflected in their programme.” The only caveat is if they’re standing in an election or about to,...
The regulatory body has confirmed that politicians are allowed to present TV and radio shows but cautioned “there are some exceptions.”
In particular, because of Ofcom’s rules about impartiality, it dictates that serving politicians are not allowed to participate in any news programs as an anchor, interviewer or reporter “unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified.” If it is the case a justification can be made, the audience must still be alerted to the politician’s political allegiance.
That leaves the political class free to host pretty much anything outside of news, including current affairs shows, although Ofcom warns: “they must make sure a range of views are reflected in their programme.” The only caveat is if they’re standing in an election or about to,...
- 2/2/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Populist Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg is getting his own TV show... on populist channel Gb News.
On Thursday (26 January), the right-wing broadcaster announced that the Tory MP for North East Somerset is set to host his own current affairs programme.
He joins presenters including Nigel Farage and Eammon Holmes on the fledgling channel, which was launched back in June 2021.
The programme will see Rees-Mogg, a backbench politician known for his eccentric anachronisms and far-right views, discuss topical issues and interview guests.
The channel’s editorial director Mick Booker said in a statement: “Jacob is an authentic and authoritative voice of the Tory backbenches with his trademark common sense, refreshing directness, and an impish sense of fun. He’s a terrific addition to the Gb News family.”
He added: “The programme will embrace a range of guests and viewpoints from all sides of politics but will also explore some of Jacob’s other wide-ranging interests.
On Thursday (26 January), the right-wing broadcaster announced that the Tory MP for North East Somerset is set to host his own current affairs programme.
He joins presenters including Nigel Farage and Eammon Holmes on the fledgling channel, which was launched back in June 2021.
The programme will see Rees-Mogg, a backbench politician known for his eccentric anachronisms and far-right views, discuss topical issues and interview guests.
The channel’s editorial director Mick Booker said in a statement: “Jacob is an authentic and authoritative voice of the Tory backbenches with his trademark common sense, refreshing directness, and an impish sense of fun. He’s a terrific addition to the Gb News family.”
He added: “The programme will embrace a range of guests and viewpoints from all sides of politics but will also explore some of Jacob’s other wide-ranging interests.
- 1/26/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Carol Vorderman has opened up about her romantic life and shared advice for dating multiple people at one time.
The 62-year-old former Countdown host appeared on Monday’s instalment of This Morning (23 January), explaining that she is single but has “special friends” who she is romantically involved with.
Earlier this month, Vorderman previously revealed to This Morning‘s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary that she had five special friends. The star returned to screens on Tuesday to discuss her approach further and offer up advice to viewers.
Vorderman explained to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that everyone involved needs to be single, which is a “critical part” of the arrangement. Explaining how she met her “special friends”, she said: “It’s come about naturally and I don’t want to settle with anyone.”
Vorderman revealed that she has known those involved for several years, one of which she has been friends with for 11 years.
The 62-year-old former Countdown host appeared on Monday’s instalment of This Morning (23 January), explaining that she is single but has “special friends” who she is romantically involved with.
Earlier this month, Vorderman previously revealed to This Morning‘s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary that she had five special friends. The star returned to screens on Tuesday to discuss her approach further and offer up advice to viewers.
Vorderman explained to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that everyone involved needs to be single, which is a “critical part” of the arrangement. Explaining how she met her “special friends”, she said: “It’s come about naturally and I don’t want to settle with anyone.”
Vorderman revealed that she has known those involved for several years, one of which she has been friends with for 11 years.
- 1/26/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has apologised “unreservedly” to Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker for calling him a “c***” in what he called an “unguarded moment”.
The broadcaster said the remark followed a “robust interview” with Mr Baker but it was “beneath the standards I set myself”.
During an off-air moment after his interview with Mr Baker, Mr Guru-Murthy was heard on a livestream saying “what a c***”.
He later tweeted: “After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.
“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”
Mr Baker later replied to the tweet accepting the apology. “I appreciate you apologising. Thank You,” he wrote.
But, later, Mr Baker told John Pienaar on Times...
The broadcaster said the remark followed a “robust interview” with Mr Baker but it was “beneath the standards I set myself”.
During an off-air moment after his interview with Mr Baker, Mr Guru-Murthy was heard on a livestream saying “what a c***”.
He later tweeted: “After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.
“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”
Mr Baker later replied to the tweet accepting the apology. “I appreciate you apologising. Thank You,” he wrote.
But, later, Mr Baker told John Pienaar on Times...
- 10/20/2022
- by Lamiat Sabin
- The Independent - TV
Ed Sheeran has pledged his support for the Music Venue Trust’s (Mvt) Own Our Venues initiative.
Own Our Venues is a long term campaign which launched in June. It aims to intervene to help take ownership on some of the UK’s Grassroot venues.
The plan hopes to take control of the freeholds of these venues across the country and put them under a protected status of benevolent ownership.
“Own Our Venues is an initiative I’m really passionate about getting behind,” Sheeran said of the scheme, which hopes to raise an initial £3.5m by the end of 2022.
“Small, independent venues are so, so important to the music community, and I’ve played some of my favourite gigs of my career in these rooms.
“We’ve got to do all we can to protect these beautiful venues that we’ve all come to love for years to come.”
Own...
Own Our Venues is a long term campaign which launched in June. It aims to intervene to help take ownership on some of the UK’s Grassroot venues.
The plan hopes to take control of the freeholds of these venues across the country and put them under a protected status of benevolent ownership.
“Own Our Venues is an initiative I’m really passionate about getting behind,” Sheeran said of the scheme, which hopes to raise an initial £3.5m by the end of 2022.
“Small, independent venues are so, so important to the music community, and I’ve played some of my favourite gigs of my career in these rooms.
“We’ve got to do all we can to protect these beautiful venues that we’ve all come to love for years to come.”
Own...
- 9/26/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Cattleya acquires rights to ‘El Italiano’
ITV Studios-owned Spanish drama house Cattleya Producciones has acquired rights to Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s bestselling novel El Italiano and will adapt it as a miniseries. Inspired by real events, El Italiano is a story of love, spies, and the sea set at the height of World War II in the Bay of Algeciras, where Italian combat divers are causing chaos among the Allied forces. Arturo Díaz, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Cattleya Producciones, and Ricardo Tozzi, founder and President of Cattleya, are leafing the project. Cattleya Producciones is searching for an international cast to bring El Italiano‘s Spanish, Italian and English characters to life. Screenwriter Beto Marini, co-creator of Movistar+ series La Unidad and feature films such as Retribution and Extinction is adapting the story. Pérez-Reverte was trained in underwater activities at Spain’s Centro de Buceo de la Armada (Navy...
ITV Studios-owned Spanish drama house Cattleya Producciones has acquired rights to Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s bestselling novel El Italiano and will adapt it as a miniseries. Inspired by real events, El Italiano is a story of love, spies, and the sea set at the height of World War II in the Bay of Algeciras, where Italian combat divers are causing chaos among the Allied forces. Arturo Díaz, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Cattleya Producciones, and Ricardo Tozzi, founder and President of Cattleya, are leafing the project. Cattleya Producciones is searching for an international cast to bring El Italiano‘s Spanish, Italian and English characters to life. Screenwriter Beto Marini, co-creator of Movistar+ series La Unidad and feature films such as Retribution and Extinction is adapting the story. Pérez-Reverte was trained in underwater activities at Spain’s Centro de Buceo de la Armada (Navy...
- 7/11/2022
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Chums, a forthcoming TV series about the Oxford University days of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is set to be illuminated by never before seen stills by acclaimed photographer Dafydd Jones.
Two Rivers recently optioned Simon Kuper’s book of the same name, telling the history of Johnson and fellow Oxford alumni turned politicians Michael Gove, David Cameron, George Osborne and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Chums is now set to become a four-part series, with many of the stories brought to life through the photography of Jones, who studied his craft Oxford Polytechnic while several of the country’s future leaders partied nearby.
On Instagram, Jones explained how he came to photograph future prime minister Boris Johnson:
“At Oxford the privately educated formed their own cliques separating the top private schools from the minor ones. They didn’t socialise much with those from state schools. I was turned down when I asked permission...
Two Rivers recently optioned Simon Kuper’s book of the same name, telling the history of Johnson and fellow Oxford alumni turned politicians Michael Gove, David Cameron, George Osborne and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Chums is now set to become a four-part series, with many of the stories brought to life through the photography of Jones, who studied his craft Oxford Polytechnic while several of the country’s future leaders partied nearby.
On Instagram, Jones explained how he came to photograph future prime minister Boris Johnson:
“At Oxford the privately educated formed their own cliques separating the top private schools from the minor ones. They didn’t socialise much with those from state schools. I was turned down when I asked permission...
- 6/12/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
A petition launched by naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham urging the government not to abandon plans to ban fur and foie gras sales, has reached 17,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.
The petition is responding to reports that the government is poised to drop plans to ban fur and foie gras sales and imports in the UK, after cabinet members including Jacob Rees-Mogg expressed concerns about the bans infringing on consumer choice.
The petition, launched on 21 February under the hashtag #DontBetrayAnimals, rapidly spread on social media, as media reports of a back-pedalling from Boris Johnson on these issues prompted strong reactions from animal charities and Packham’s followers.
Claire Bass, executive director for Humane Society International/UK, the animal charity running the #FurFreeBritain campaign for a UK fur sales ban, says “The popularity of Chris’s petition is a direct reflection of the sense of disbelief and outrage amongst the...
The petition is responding to reports that the government is poised to drop plans to ban fur and foie gras sales and imports in the UK, after cabinet members including Jacob Rees-Mogg expressed concerns about the bans infringing on consumer choice.
The petition, launched on 21 February under the hashtag #DontBetrayAnimals, rapidly spread on social media, as media reports of a back-pedalling from Boris Johnson on these issues prompted strong reactions from animal charities and Packham’s followers.
Claire Bass, executive director for Humane Society International/UK, the animal charity running the #FurFreeBritain campaign for a UK fur sales ban, says “The popularity of Chris’s petition is a direct reflection of the sense of disbelief and outrage amongst the...
- 2/25/2022
- Look to the Stars
A U.K. petition calling for an inquiry into press conduct leading up to the suicide of “Love Island” host Caroline Flack has been thrown out by Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The popular “Love Island” presenter, one of the country’s most recognizable TV personalities, had been due to go on trial in March for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend in December, and was subject to extensive tabloid and social media scrutiny in the weeks prior to her Feb. 15 suicide. British tabloid The Sun was found to have deleted a negative article on Flack just hours after her death came to light.
Three months on from her suicide, the government is making clear it is unlikely to pursue any further action on a proposed “Caroline’s Law,” which would make media harassment and bullying a criminal offense.
Joshua Brandwood, a resident and former councillor for Lancaster in northern England,...
The popular “Love Island” presenter, one of the country’s most recognizable TV personalities, had been due to go on trial in March for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend in December, and was subject to extensive tabloid and social media scrutiny in the weeks prior to her Feb. 15 suicide. British tabloid The Sun was found to have deleted a negative article on Flack just hours after her death came to light.
Three months on from her suicide, the government is making clear it is unlikely to pursue any further action on a proposed “Caroline’s Law,” which would make media harassment and bullying a criminal offense.
Joshua Brandwood, a resident and former councillor for Lancaster in northern England,...
- 5/14/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Long before he reclined for the cameras in Parliament, the Tory MP had a career as an actor – in experimental films made by his socialist aunt. He recalls his days of blazers and butterfly-chasing
‘She was the most lovely aunt,” says Jacob Rees-Mogg. “Wonderfully kind, and took a lot of trouble with her nieces and nephews.” The leader of the Commons is taking a pause from pushing Brexit to speak about his father’s sister, the avant-garde film-maker Anne Rees-Mogg. Yes, you read that right – the Rees-Mogg clan has a little-known arty streak. Long before Jacob was lounging in front of cameras in parliament, he was making rather different appearances in his Aunt Anne’s experimental films.
The works were shown in a former British Rail canteen in north London that had been taken over by a film-makers’ cooperative in the 1970s. There, in a screening area set up at one end of the large,...
‘She was the most lovely aunt,” says Jacob Rees-Mogg. “Wonderfully kind, and took a lot of trouble with her nieces and nephews.” The leader of the Commons is taking a pause from pushing Brexit to speak about his father’s sister, the avant-garde film-maker Anne Rees-Mogg. Yes, you read that right – the Rees-Mogg clan has a little-known arty streak. Long before Jacob was lounging in front of cameras in parliament, he was making rather different appearances in his Aunt Anne’s experimental films.
The works were shown in a former British Rail canteen in north London that had been taken over by a film-makers’ cooperative in the 1970s. There, in a screening area set up at one end of the large,...
- 10/29/2019
- by Melissa Gronlund
- The Guardian - Film News
Based on an internet meme that led to a brutal stabbing, this doctored frightener has truly missed its moment
A Slender Man movie might well have been a commercially viable option earlier this decade, when the spectral figure created by Eric Knudsen for somethingawful.com was one of the internet’s creepier memes. That was before the near-fatal 2014 stabbing of a 12-year-old Wisconsin girl by classmates claiming to serve the fictional creation, the objections the victim’s father raised to the then-shooting project, and the cuts designed to both appease the relatives and secure a teen-baiting rating. Sony have hustled the results out into scattered late-night slots without fanfare, perhaps understandably, as there’s not much left to distribute: if you thought the bogeyman was slender, wait till you see the film.
Writer David Birke and director Sylvain White here graft together material from The Ring, the Blair Witches and Wes Craven’s Nightmares,...
A Slender Man movie might well have been a commercially viable option earlier this decade, when the spectral figure created by Eric Knudsen for somethingawful.com was one of the internet’s creepier memes. That was before the near-fatal 2014 stabbing of a 12-year-old Wisconsin girl by classmates claiming to serve the fictional creation, the objections the victim’s father raised to the then-shooting project, and the cuts designed to both appease the relatives and secure a teen-baiting rating. Sony have hustled the results out into scattered late-night slots without fanfare, perhaps understandably, as there’s not much left to distribute: if you thought the bogeyman was slender, wait till you see the film.
Writer David Birke and director Sylvain White here graft together material from The Ring, the Blair Witches and Wes Craven’s Nightmares,...
- 8/27/2018
- by Mike McCahill
- The Guardian - Film News
Terminator 2, Dirty Dancing and The Silence of the Lambs are all set for cinema runs – but are brilliant older films in danger of permanent eclipse?
The Terminator dies. Baby pulls off a perfect 10 lift. Hannibal Lecter escapes (albeit wearing a giveaway wig that screams psychopath-on-the-lam). No spoiler alerts are necessary for the endings of Terminator 2, Dirty Dancing or The Silence of the Lambs. You’ve either seen them umpteen times already or you know them by osmosis, from the memes and the YouTube clips. I’m sure even Jacob Rees-Mogg can do a fair to middling “Hasta la vista, baby”. So why is this trio of old faves getting cinema comebacks in 2017?
Rereleases have always been a fixture on the calendar. They give audiences the chance to see gold-plated masterpieces back on the big screen where they belong. As a teenager, I watched my dad’s VHS tape of The Shining...
The Terminator dies. Baby pulls off a perfect 10 lift. Hannibal Lecter escapes (albeit wearing a giveaway wig that screams psychopath-on-the-lam). No spoiler alerts are necessary for the endings of Terminator 2, Dirty Dancing or The Silence of the Lambs. You’ve either seen them umpteen times already or you know them by osmosis, from the memes and the YouTube clips. I’m sure even Jacob Rees-Mogg can do a fair to middling “Hasta la vista, baby”. So why is this trio of old faves getting cinema comebacks in 2017?
Rereleases have always been a fixture on the calendar. They give audiences the chance to see gold-plated masterpieces back on the big screen where they belong. As a teenager, I watched my dad’s VHS tape of The Shining...
- 9/29/2017
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Hadrian's wall, Culloden, the poll tax, Jacob Rees-Mogg: yes, England has inflicted an awful lot of angst and pain on Scotland down the centuries – but, look, we still don't want you to leave
1 Sorry for calling every last one of you "Jock". We now know it's offensive, especially if you're a woman.
2 So sorry for the years of heartless Conservative governments that you never voted for that ripped the heart out of the Scottish mining, steel and shipbuilding industries, butchered public services and imposed an unwonted, dismal neo-liberal ethos on a land to which such a callous political and economic philosophy was inimical.
3 And for making you guinea pigs for Margaret Thatcher's disastrous poll tax, inflicting it on you a year before England and Wales, and then – somehow! – forgetting to backdate the rebate for the tax when it was abolished in the early 90s.
4 Sorry for the 1746 Dress Act that banned tartan,...
1 Sorry for calling every last one of you "Jock". We now know it's offensive, especially if you're a woman.
2 So sorry for the years of heartless Conservative governments that you never voted for that ripped the heart out of the Scottish mining, steel and shipbuilding industries, butchered public services and imposed an unwonted, dismal neo-liberal ethos on a land to which such a callous political and economic philosophy was inimical.
3 And for making you guinea pigs for Margaret Thatcher's disastrous poll tax, inflicting it on you a year before England and Wales, and then – somehow! – forgetting to backdate the rebate for the tax when it was abolished in the early 90s.
4 Sorry for the 1746 Dress Act that banned tartan,...
- 2/20/2014
- by Stuart Jeffries
- The Guardian - Film News
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