U.K. Media Regulatory Body Chief Clarifies Position on Politicians Doubling Up as Newsreaders: ‘Our Rules Ensure Strict Safeguards’
variety.comNaman Ramachandran As three separate investigations involving serving politicians also acting as newsreaders are underway, Melanie Dawes, chief executive of U.K.
media regulator Ofcom, has clarified the body’s position on the matter. In an article originally published in the Telegraph and subsequently on the Ofcom website on Tuesday, Dawes wrote: “The Broadcasting Code is clear that serving politicians cannot be a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news program, unless there is an exceptional editorial justification.
And in those exceptional cases, their political allegiance must be made clear to the audience. News programs will usually involve newsreaders directly addressing the audience, and may include reporter packages or live reports, with a mix of video and reporter items.” Dawes added that outside of news programs, such as current affairs formats which typically feature more in-depth discussion, analysis, interviews and long-form video reports, there’s no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving politician or political candidate from hosting – provided they aren’t standing in an election taking place, or about to take place. “During election periods, for example, we’re clear that candidates cannot present any programs,” Dawes wrote.
Dawes said: “Outside news programs, our rules have always allowed presenters to give their own views on controversial political matters on air, as long as other viewpoints are reflected.
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