Ofcom launches investigation into GB News ‘Don’t Kill Cash’ campaign

Ofcom’s HQ

UK broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has opened an investigation into GB News following a complaint relating to its recently launched ‘Don’t Kill Cash’ campaign.

The controversial broadcaster launched the ‘GB News Don’t Kill Cash’ petition which has requested the UK government introduces legislation to “protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment in the UK until at least 2050.”

GB News said the pandemic has caused the UK to move towards a cashless society.

The campaign has since gained over 150,000 signatures following its launch on Monday.

Ofcom will investigate if GB News has violated Rule 5.4 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. It requires all broadcasters to ensure that their programmes – whatever their genre – exclude all expressions of the views and opinions of the person providing the service on matters of political and industrial controversy or current public policy. This reflects the statutory requirements in the Communications Act 2003 as set by Parliament.

Ofcom said the investigation does not seek to question the merits of the campaign itself.

GB News is already under investigation by Ofcom following the State of the Nation episode May 9. The media regulator will examine at whether programming complied with rules which prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders in any news programmes, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified.

The programme, which attracted 40 complaints, featured right-wing politician Jacob Rees-Mogg covering a breaking news story about a civil trial verdict involving former US President Donald Trump.

Ofcom is also investigating a Talk TV show featuring right-wing pro-Brexit politician and property developer Richard Tice and former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond.