Thank you for contacting me about politicians presenting TV and radio programmes.
Under the Broadcasting Code, news, in whatever form, must be presented with due impartiality. Additionally, a politician cannot be a newsreader, news interviewer or news reporter unless, exceptionally, there is editorial justification.
In line with the right to freedom of expression, broadcasters have editorial freedom to offer audiences a wide range of programme formats, including using politicians to present current affairs or other non-news programmes. Politicians may also appear in broadcast news content as an interviewee or any other type of guest.
Individual programmes can also feature a mix of news and non-news content and move between the two genres. If, however, a licensee chooses to use a politician as a presenter in a programme containing both news and current affairs content, it must take steps to ensure they do not act as a newsreader, news interviewer or news reporter in that programme.
The Broadcasting Code is enforced by Ofcom, the independent regulator, who has responsibility for determining whether there has been a breach of the code and whether to take any action. There are a number of sanctions available to Ofcom where a breach of the code has been found, including levelling a fine and, in extreme cases, amending or revoking a broadcaster’s licence to broadcast.
Ofcom has been clear that its rules requiring due impartiality apply equally to all broadcasters. Under its code, Ofcom takes into account a range of factors when considering complaints, including the nature of the subject, the type of programme and channel, and the likely expectation of the audience regarding the content. Importantly, in making any decision, Ofcom is required to strike a balance between ensuring an appropriate level of freedom of expression and adequate protections for audiences from harmful material.
Ofcom has recently published new strengthened industry guidance. I understand that the guidance reinforces the prohibition on politicians presenting news. The guidance also makes clear that broadcasters retain editorial freedom to create programmes which move between news and current affairs content. However, it cautions that if a broadcaster chooses to use a politician as the host of such a programme, they must ensure they do not act as a newsreader, news interviewer or news reporter at any point in that programme.
Separately, Ofcom commissioned a report studying audiences’ understanding of news and current affairs content and their expectations of due impartiality when politicians are presenting. The research for the report found that, while people expressed a range of views about politicians presenting current affairs programmes, and there were some concerns, there was no clear consensus for an outright ban. Ofcom has confirmed that the report will inform its decisions about any future complaints regarding politicians presenting programmes on TV and radio, while having full regard to broadcasters’ and audiences’ rights to freedom of expression, including audiences’ right to receive information and ideas without unnecessary interference.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.