Emily Thornberry Questions MPs Balancing Parliamentary Duties with Broadcasting Roles

Emily Thornberry, the UK's Shadow Attorney General, has expressed doubts about how Members of Parliament manage their parliamentary obligations alongside presenting roles as some politicians shift to broadcasting. Thornberry's remarks come as media regulator Ofcom cautioned broadcasters to uphold the highest level of due impartiality in preparation for the upcoming general election.

Ofcom's Broadcasting Code prohibits candidates in UK elections from acting as news presenters, interviewers, or presenters of any type of program during the election period. However, politicians who are not standing as candidates can present non-news programs, including current affairs, provided that the program complies with all relevant code rules.

The regulator's warning follows its findings that five programs on the GB News channel featuring politicians as news presenters violated broadcasting due impartiality rules. Ofcom's investigation involved shows presented by former House of Commons leader Sir Jacob Rees Mogg, minister without portfolio Esther McVey, and backbencher Philip Davies. The channel was warned about potential sanctions if there are further breaches.

Why this matters: The issue of politicians moonlighting as TV presenters raises questions about the impartiality and credibility of broadcast news. As the UK approaches a general election, ensuring that news coverage remains unbiased and free from political influence is critical for maintaining public trust in the media.

Ofcom has commissioned research exploring audiences' understanding of news and current affairs content and their expectations of due impartiality when politicians are presenting. The research, involving 29 focus groups with 157 participants, found that audiences generally support the existing due impartiality rules under the Broadcasting Code.

Veteran journalist Andrew Neil, who was the first chairman of GB News, has said Ofcom needs to "grow a backbone" on the issue of politicians acting as presenters. Ofcom's updated guidance reinforces the prohibition on politicians presenting news and reminds broadcasters that because politicians have an inherently partial role in society, news content presented by them is likely to be viewed by audiences in light of that perceived bias.

As the country approaches local elections and a general election, Ofcom expects broadcasters to pay close attention to the research findings, strengthened guidance, and recent standards decisions to ensure their programs are compliant. Any breaches of election programming rules are likely to result in serious sanctions.

Key Takeaways

• Ofcom warns broadcasters to uphold impartiality ahead of UK elections
• Ofcom prohibits candidates from acting as news presenters during elections
• GB News violated impartiality rules with politicians as news presenters
• Audiences support existing due impartiality rules under Broadcasting Code
• Ofcom expects broadcasters to comply or face serious sanctions