GB News has won permission to bring a legal challenge against broadcasting regulator Ofcom’s decision to find the show People’s Forum: The Prime Minister in breach of their impartiality rules.
A Judge at London’s High Court today also made clear Ofcom should amend language used in statements about their decision, following an investigation into the show shown in February, featuring then PM Rishi Sunak.
The legal challenge to the ruling, in the form of a judicial review, will now go to a full hearing.
Ofcom were told that they could now reach a decision on whether to impose a sanction on GB News.
People’s Forum: The Prime Minister aired on February 12GB NEWSBut they were told any sanction would be subject to the eventual outcome of the judicial review.
Following the High Court decision, GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said: “We are extremely pleased the Court has recognised the merits of our legal challenge and approved our case to proceed to the next stage.
“We have believed from the very start that the People’s Forum was an important piece of public interest programming, and that it complied with the Broadcasting Code. It was designed to allow members of the public to put their own questions directly to leading politicians.
“The programme with the Prime Minister was always intended to be part of a series of programmes, unfortunately the commencement by Ofcom of an investigation into the programme meant that future programmes were suspended and could not be broadcast.”
People’s Forum: The Prime Minister aired on February 12 and saw a cross-section of UK voters quiz Rishi Sunak on his plans for Government should he win the 2024 General Election.
Similar programming was also planned to take place with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Frangopoulos added: “GB News chooses to be regulated and we understand our obligations under the Code, but Ofcom is obliged by law to uphold freedom of expression and apply its rules fairly and lawfully.
“We believe some of its decisions in relation to GB News have been neither fair nor lawful and the court has recognised that there are serious arguable issues to be determined in this respect. As the People’s Channel we will continue to champion freedom; for our viewers, for our listeners, and for everyone in the United Kingdom.
“The Court has also made clear that any sanction which Ofcom may go on to impose on GB News would need to be expressed as subject to the outcome of GB News’ legal challenge.”
The full hearing in the case will be held at a later date.