This petition is particularly relevant to GB News, who have stuffed their supposed impartial news programming with Tory MPs. Like the Young Master, Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Dear David,
Leading politicians can host their own shows on (supposedly) impartial news channels – and media regulator Ofcom is happy to sit back and let it happen. [1]
These shows aren’t news. They’re often borderline political broadcasts that blur the line between fact and opinion, potentially giving some politicians a huge boost. Nigel Farage gets his own GB News show. Labour minister David Lammy used to have an LBC radio show. [2]
News should challenge power, David, not give it a platform.
But today we have a chance to get these shows banned – if we move quickly. The minister in charge of Ofcom, Lisa Nandy, just said she’s worried about this exact issue. [3] But she’s unlikely to take action unless she sees how much we, the public, care. If all of us come together now to call on her to ban ALL politicians from hosting these shows, it could push her into action. [4]
So David, can you sign this new petition calling on Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to ban politicians – from all parties – from hosting their own shows on – supposedly – impartial news channels?
Ofcom has tried to investigate politicians’ shows for breaking its rules before. But they had to stop because their own rules were too weak! There’s a simple answer to that: change the rules. But it’ll take the minister in charge of Ofcom stepping in to make that happen. [5]
And it couldn’t come at a more important time. GB News has just expanded into the US with the backing of President Trump (you can bet he’s hoping it can help him polish up his UK image!).
Clearly, GB News bosses weren’t worried about Ofcom so if we don’t act now, it could turn into a huge propaganda machine. [6]
If you’re worried about this too sign the petition today to call for a ban on politicians hosting shows on UK news channels.
Thanks for all you do,
Alicia, Matt, Veronica and the 38 Degrees team
NOTES:
[1] The Guardian: GB News’s US expansion feared to be new way for Trumpian views to reach UK audience
[2] BBC News: Ofcom warns broadcasters over using politician hosts before general election
The Independent: Labour MP David Lammy says goodbye to LBC show ahead of general election
[3] Deadline: Nigel Farage Hosting Show On GB News While Running A Political Party Is “Completely Unsatisfactory,” Lisa Nandy Says
[4] The Guardian: GB News’s US expansion feared to be new way for Trumpian views to reach UK audience
[5] BBC: Ofcom drops investigations after GB News ruling
[6] The Guardian: GB News’s US expansion feared to be new way for Trumpian views to reach UK audience
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