TV watchdog Ofcom has launched 15 investigations into the “due impartiality” of programmes on news channel RT, it has announced.
The UK regulator said it had “observed a significant increase in the number of programmes on the RT service that warrant investigation” under its Broadcasting Code.
The investigations relate to 15 editions of the hourly news programme broadcast on February 27 between 5am and 7pm, they confirmed.
READ MORE: Alex Salmond suspends his show on RT following invasion of Ukraine
Ofcom said it expects “full co-operation” during the inquiry into RT, previously known as Russia Today.
In a statement, chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said: “Given the scale and gravity of the crisis in Ukraine, audiences expect to be able to trust and rely on duly impartial broadcast news.
Today we have launched 15 investigations into the due impartiality of news programmes broadcast on RT.
— Ofcom (@Ofcom) February 28, 2022
Due to the severity of the current crisis in Ukraine, these investigations will be expedited.
Read our full statement here:https://t.co/VuWcIjBAQV pic.twitter.com/rzHIJAcTVp
“When reporting on an armed conflict, we recognise it can be difficult for broadcasters to verify information and events, but it is imperative that they make every effort to do so.
“They must also explain clearly to audiences where there is uncertainty or where events are disputed.
“Supporting a fair and free media is central to Ofcom’s work. We take this responsibility – and our duty to protect audiences and uphold trust in news – extremely seriously.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'appalled' Alex Salmond hasn't cut ties with Russia Today
“Given the serious ongoing situation in Ukraine, we will be concluding our investigations into RT as a matter of urgency.”
On Sunday, Boris Johnson criticised the Russian television network and called for an Ofcom review.
Similarly, Ofcom had been told by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries to review the operation of RT, which she said was “demonstrably part of Russia’s global disinformation campaign”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel