What's happened
Ofcom found that five episodes of GB News programs presented by Tory MPs breached impartiality rules, leading to criticism from Jacob Rees-Mogg. Esther McVey and Philip Davies were also found to have breached due impartiality rules.
Why it matters
The breach of broadcasting rules by Tory MPs on GB News raises concerns about media impartiality and the need for regulatory oversight. It highlights the importance of upholding journalistic standards and the consequences of failing to do so.
What the papers say
The Independent reported on Jacob Rees-Mogg's criticism of Ofcom, with Rees-Mogg calling the regulator 'old-fashioned'. The Scotsman provided details on the breaches by Tory MPs Esther McVey and Philip Davies on GB News, leading to warnings of potential sanctions.
How we got here
The investigation by Ofcom found that three Tory MPs, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey, and Philip Davies, breached broadcasting rules on due impartiality while presenting on GB News. The regulator warned the channel about potential sanctions for further breaches.
More on these topics
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The Office of Communications, commonly known as Ofcom, is the government-approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom.
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GB News is an upcoming British television news channel due to launch early in 2021 on Freeview, Sky, YouView, Freesat and Virgin Media. Its chairman is Andrew Neil.
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Jacob William Rees-Mogg is a British politician serving as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council since 2019, and who has served as Member of Parliament for North East Somerset since 2010.