Ofcom has initiated an investigation against GB News over a campaign calling on the government to pass legislation to “defend the status of currency.”
Following a complaint, the media watchdog said on Friday that it will investigate the channel’s Don’t Kill Cash campaign.
The video urges viewers to join a petition with over 170,000 signatures to prevent Britain from becoming a “cashless society.”
The channel, which debuted two years ago, also stated that “those who rely on currency are gradually being left behind by technology’s unrelenting march.”
It added: ‘More and more shops, cafes and pubs are choosing to only accept card payments.’
Ofcom said under its rules all broadcasters are excluded from expressing views on ‘political and industrial controversy or current public policy.’
These rules do not apply to the broadcaster’s presenters or guests, but rather to the organisation and those with editorial responsibility for the service, according to the watchdog.
‘Our examination does not aim to call into doubt the merits of the campaign itself,’ said Ofcom.
It comes after the media watchdog started another investigation into GB News on May 9 about a State Of The Nation show.
After Jacob Rees-Mogg aired a breaking news article regarding a civil trial judgement involving Donald Trump, 40 viewers complained.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: ‘We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules, which prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified.’
Earlier this year, Ofcom concluded that GB News violated its broadcasting regulations twice over statements made on the Mark Steyn Show concerning the Covid-19 vaccination.
After the watchdog’s actions, the host resigned from GB News in February.
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