The UK’s media regulator Ofcom has announced it will investigate complaints about climate change denial in television and radio broadcasts for the first time since 2017. The move follows a reversal prompted by criticism from activists, who accuse the regulator of allowing broadcasters to repeatedly air misleading or false claims about climate change without intervention.
Previously, Ofcom had reviewed complaints about programs on TalkTV and TalkRadio but, as in more than 1,000 similar cases since 2020, had decided not to open investigations. After a letter from the Good Law Project in January requesting an explanation for these decisions, Ofcom withdrew its original assessment and announced a fresh review. Two specific cases concern statements made by guests in November: in one instance, climate change was described as a deliberate attempt to create false anxiety, while in another, the Labour government’s energy policies were criticized as “suicidal,” “pseudoscientific,” and “cult-like.”
Following reassessment, Ofcom stated that its existing standards on “due impartiality” require reconsideration. The authority subsequently launched investigations to examine potential breaches of rules on balance and the avoidance of misleading content. In addition, another investigation was opened after a viewer complaint about a separate TalkTV program. Three other climate-related complaints were again not taken forward for investigation.
Representatives of the Good Law Project welcomed the decision and indicated they would consider further action if no measures are taken against alleged misinformation. Ofcom stated that the reviewed broadcasts may raise substantive issues under broadcasting rules. TalkTV said it would cooperate with the regulator.
Criticism of the decision includes concerns about a possible expansion of regulatory intervention into the opinions expressed by studio guests, as existing rules already address factually inaccurate reporting. The cases under investigation concern statements made by guests rather than presenters or journalists.
Ofcom opened the investigations over potential breaches of rules on “due impartiality” and “material misleadingness”.
Source: Zerohedge