Ofcom, the UK’s communication regulatory body, has made significant developments regarding its oversight of GB News, a television network that has faced scrutiny over allegations of bias and rule violations. On March 17, 2025, Ofcom confirmed the discontinuation of six investigations linked to breach decisions against GB News, marking a turning point for the channel.
Last week, on March 10, Ofcom also withdrew three previous breach decisions against the network. This decision comes after a High Court ruling in February found that Ofcom’s earlier decisions regarding GB News were flawed. High Court judge Mrs. Justice Collins Rice stated that the regulator’s actions were “vitiated by error of law.” According to her ruling, Ofcom had conflated the definitions between news and current affairs programming.
Angelos Frangopoulos, GB News’ chief executive, heralded this development as a validation of the channel’s editorial decisions. In his statement, he expressed confidence, saying, “I do not believe that there was a breach of the rules” regarding recent programming.
The controversies around GB News escalated with an episode of the comedy programme Headliners, which aired on January 22, 2025, and has since received over 1,382 complaints. The complaints arose after presenter Josh Howie commented on a sermon by a US bishop advocating for LGBT+ inclusion, in which he made remarks that many deemed inappropriate. The episode drew considerable ire from the community, with the activist group Good Law Project submitting a staggering 71,851 complaints, primarily targeting remarks made by Howie that seemed to link the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles.
On Monday, Ofcom announced the start of a new investigation into the Headliners episode. The regulator is scrutinizing whether the programme violated regulations that require any material potentially causing offence to be justified by context. This investigation follows the wave of complaints from both viewers and activists alike.
Ofcom’s ongoing inquiries into GB News also include investigations into other prominent figures associated with the network. Notably, Labour MP David Lammy has come under scrutiny for his appearance on LBC, where he announced DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's resignation on March 29, 2024. This broadcast raised immediate concerns regarding impartiality as he was serving a dual role—presenter and politician—during the live announcement.
Similarly, GB News' Nigel Farage has also been implicated in investigations. His show, which aired on January 17, 2024, attracted attention for its handling of news and current affairs, prompting further inquiries into the network's adherence to the standards requiring impartial presentation by politicians.
Frangopoulos's response to Ofcom's ruling was assertive, pointing out that after the High Court's decision, a total of 11 cases against GB News and other broadcasters have now either been abandoned, unwound, or quashed. Moreover, he emphasized that the channel would continue to rigorously defend its editorial choices and presenters’ rights to free speech.
The media landscape is closely watching Ofcom's moves as the UK navigates the complexities of governing broadcasting standards, especially concerning political presentations in media. During the previous investigations into GB News, reactions from various stakeholders have been mixed, with some celebrating what they see as a move towards greater accountability, while others view it as an unwarranted attack on freedom of expression.
Frangopoulos expressed that the ongoing persecution of GB News is a question of larger implications for broadcaster freedom. He argues that the recent victory in court exemplifies a shift in the authority of regulatory practices and emphasizes their right to express differing viewpoints.
As investigations proceed, the question remains whether Ofcom's latest inquiry will yield additional consequences for GB News or potentially redefine how broadcasters manage political content in a robustly polarized media landscape.
The trials and tribulations of GB News serve as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle between regulation and free speech, illustrating the difficulties plaguing modern broadcasting. As more complaints pour in and investigations continue, the relationship between GB News, its audience, and regulatory bodies remains tense.
In an era where partisan divisions seem to sharpen daily, how broadcasting entities handle controversial discussions may very well shape the future landscape of media in the UK.
