Ofcom has today introduced new guidance for broadcasters on how politicians can appear as presenters in programmes that include news content.
The updated guidance, which comes into effect immediately, clarifies the distinction between news and non-news programming and strengthens how impartiality rules apply when politicians are involved.
Ofcom has confirmed that Rule 5.3 of the Broadcasting Code — which prohibits politicians from presenting news — will remain unchanged.
Instead, the regulator has revised its guidance to make the relationship between this rule and the impartiality requirements under Rule 5.1 clearer and more relevant to the modern broadcasting landscape.
Under the new approach, Ofcom has updated its definition of a “politician” to include members of the House of Lords and representatives of political parties, while removing the previous reference to activists. It also clarified what counts as “exceptional circumstances” under which a politician could present news, saying these must be situations that are unforeseeable and beyond the broadcaster’s control.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom’s Group Director for Broadcasting, said: “We’ve listened carefully to the perspectives of audiences, broadcasters and other experts through our consultation. Our updated guidance provides the right protection for audiences, while also safeguarding freedom of expression and broadcasters’ editorial discretion to choose their presenting line up.”
The clarification follows Ofcom’s public consultation and a High Court ruling earlier this year in a case involving GB News. The court found that a programme cannot be both news and current affairs at the same time, and that Rule 5.3 only applies to politicians acting as newsreaders, interviewers or reporters in news programmes.
Ofcom said it will continue to review audience expectations and may carry out further research into how viewers and listeners perceive news and current affairs content on TV and radio.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk