“Forced” confessions – broadcasters beware

If broadcasters needed yet another stern warning about the grave dangers of transmitting ‘confessions’ by individuals without carrying out reasonable checks first, then Ofcom has provided it. The regulator has upheld a complaint by a Qatari intelligence officer, Hamad Al-Hammadi… Continue

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China – Ofcom’s sanctions headache

Ofcom’s decision (Bulletin 406) to find China’s state TV station broke fairness and privacy rules by broadcasting the ‘forced confession’ of British former journalist Peter Humphrey (pictured) has thrust the regulator onto the sharp horns of a high profile sanctions… Continue

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Sam Smith, Ofcom and trans people

Ofcom’s decision this week that a presenter on a Monmouthshire local radio station breached the Broadcasting Code, by making derisive remarks about singer Sam Smith coming out as non-binary and wishing to be referred to as “they” rather than he… Continue

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Landmark legal decision on impartiality

The momentous decision in the judicial review case brought by Russian broadcaster RT against Ofcom has not been given the attention it deserves. Hardly surprising in some ways because it was published on 27 March, five days into the UK’s… Continue

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