Overview

• Ofcom retained the wording of Broadcasting Code Rule 5.3 after consultation prompted by court judgments on GB News.
• New guidance broadens the definition of a politician to include House of Lords members and party representatives, removing a prior reference to activists.
• The guidance says an MP delivering a news update within a non-news programme would likely weigh in due impartiality assessments, with context such as topic and known positions considered.
• “Exceptional circumstances” allowing a politician to read news are defined as events beyond a broadcaster’s control or foresight, expected to be rare and covered by contingency planning.
• Ofcom rescinded three past decisions and discontinued five investigations related to GB News after the High Court quashed two rulings on Jacob Rees-Mogg’s show as predominantly current affairs.