GB News Hit with £100K Fine by Ofcom Over Impartiality Breach

The UK's communication watchdog, Ofcom, has fined GB News channel for violating impartiality rules in a program featuring former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The broadcast in February reportedly lacked diverse viewpoints and gave Sunak an uncontested platform. GB News is challenging the decision through judicial review.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has slapped a £100,000 fine on GB News for breaching impartiality rules in a broadcast featuring ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The program sparked controversy for failing to present a balanced range of views during an election lead-up.

The February broadcast was singled out for providing Sunak a largely uncontested platform, a move Ofcom deemed to conflict with its due impartiality guidelines. As a result, GB News found itself at odds with the watchdog, prompting the channel to seek a judicial review.

Although Ofcom has imposed the fine, enforcement will be on hold pending the outcome of the legal challenge, leaving the channel in a state of regulatory uncertainty.

(With inputs from agencies.)