GB News faces Ofcom scrutiny over anti-LGBTQ+ remarks

Ofcom has launched an investigation into GB News after a presenter linked LGBTQ+ people to paedophilia during its Headliners show on 22 January. The claim, widely discredited and denounced by the High Court as “one of the oldest, most pernicious… myths of homophobia”, triggered a public outcry.

GB News defends its position as “free speech”, while critics warn it’s risking lives by platforming hate.

A Good Law Project tool enabled mass complaints, resulting in a record-breaking 71,582 submissions—outstripping the 2021 Piers Morgan controversy. Agustina Oliveri, the campaign group’s head of communications, called the channel a “channel of hatred”, accusing Ofcom of failing to act sooner.

The Good Law Project campaign now targets advertisers like Sky to cut financial ties. The outcome could redefine the boundaries of UK broadcast regulation.

Sources:

▪ Cover: Dreamstime/Dejan Ljamić.