Overview

• Ofcom formally told GB News that broadcasters cannot treat the Supreme Court’s April ruling on the definition of ‘woman’ as settling on-air discussions of gender terminology.
• Under its Broadcasting Code, the regulator requires channels to air arguments for and against the biological definition of sex when covering transgender topics.
• Ofcom said the Supreme Court’s ruling applies solely within the Equality Act and does not resolve broader questions of gender identity usage in programs.
• The regulator labelled GB News’s view on biological pronouns as “dogmatic” and emphasised that each transgender-related broadcast must be assessed on its specific context.
• Assessments will account for applicable Convention rights, including freedom of expression and editorial discretion, and ensure compliance with impartiality standards.