I got this message from GB News in the last hour:
The message was followed by a call.
I made it clear to the producer that I will never do GB News because of the wholly unacceptable political message that it delivers.
I stressed that I was not making the issue personal and said I had no idea as to the producer's own views but hoped that they would think very hard about what they were doing as GB News exists, in my opinion, to advance conspiracy theories and to undermine the fabric of the society we live in.
I was then asked if I might do it because it was the Jacob Rees Mogg show that they wanted me on. I made it clear that was the very worst reason. GB News providing a persistent platform to Tory MPs alone is contrary to Ofocm rules as far as I am aware and I was certainly not going to lend this ultra-biased broadcasting credibility by being on the programme.
I think they got the message.
I will not be there, or take their cabs and fee. Now now, not ever.
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I loved this producer’s grammar as in “I have saw . . .”
And on the subject of Ofcom rules, may I recommend watching John Nicholson at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X69Gts1QTYo
He was very good
Why has a broadcasting licence even been given to GB News in the first place? As John Nicholson says, this is tory MP’s interviewing a tory minister. It’s totally impartial, an utter joke like the rightwing papers. Its not news but propaganda on behalf of right wing politics.
If the BBC is being ferociously criticised for alleged (i.e. completely imagined) bias against the tories then GB News should be shut down now for it’s bias in their favour.
Yes, how do they score on impartiality?
Presenters include.
Nigel Farage – Well balanced Nigel.
Arlene Foster – Ex DUP, a font of balance and respect for other views.
Dan Wootton – Formerly of the Sun and Daily Fascist, er, sorry, Mail.
Philip Davies and Ester McVey – Davies is a British Conservative Party politician and MP for Shipley, West Yorkshire. McVey is also a Conservative MP, having served Wirral West from 2010-2015 and Tatton since 2017. They are married. They are balanced in that they are male and female.
Micheal Portillo – In between train journeys.
Jacob Rees-Mogg – Lord Snooty himself.
Lee Anderson – Another Tory MP, now Deputy Tory Chairman. A true man of balance and impartiality.
List here
https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/broadcast/gb-news-presenters-shows/
The regulator thinks they are doing just fine.
Nigel Farage and GB News cleared by Ofcom: Channel yet to be rebuked by regulator
https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/ofcom-gb-news/
Yet you used to be more than happy to take the Russian Coin on RT, state controlled propaganda. Where were your high brow principles then?
I think that was a mistake
I wrestled with it at the time and regret it now
To be fair, around 10 years ago RT was the only news channel broadcast in the UK that frequently aired anyone countering the agreed establishment consensus on austerity. Maybe Channel 4 news as well.
Are you happy with the blatant impartiality of GB News Trevor? Can you tell me why they are allowed to broadcast Neil Oliver’s conspiracy theory twaddle and host an endless stream of right wing pundits and politicians?
Does Ofcom have the power to discipline or shut down stations that don’t abide by the BBC’s supposed rules on impartiality?
Bless you Richard.
Well done Richard.
There are lines that should never be crossed.
Over the years it has always surprised me how many morally intelligent people would, to take a random example, tell you that they have started buying the Daily Telegraph, “just for the Cricket” and then soon start spouting bizarre right-wing propaganda and voting for Brexit.
At the end of the day, it is always your call. On the other hand, having a platform to present counter-views may be advantageous as viewers see that there is indeed an alternative.
Does anyone who wants to hear a counter voice watch GB News?
Richard , you have the experience and capability to tie Mogg in knots .
Would have loved to see him wipe the egg of his face , respect your stance but let’s no be silenced .
But it would have been a very poor night out
What prospect is there of a launching a counter channel to GB News?
Presumably it’s been considered, and would no doubt require a sponsor
with deep pockets. I bet it would attract a young audience (and therefore advertisers) who would love to find an alternative to the right wing media.
I’ve only recently, in the last few months, hit upon James O’Brien on LBC.
More like that on television would be very welcome.
Almost nil I suspect
Television is very expensive
And would it reach the numbers LBC does? I very much doubt it
Richard Rule,
Try Byline TV, Double Down News, Novara Media. Online of course, but you don’t startup a media outlet defined by the means of broadcast, you start with the substance and the organisation – so who knows, maybe one day. And they need the support and feedback.
Byline is best, I think
I subscribe
I too would love to hear you eviscerate JRM. But I can also hear them arguing with Ofcom “Oh, we’re impartial too. We even have Richard Murphy on!”
I think you’re right to deny them the credibility, and of course, you’re right on principle.
Thanks
I would have enjoyed it
But that was not good enough reason
Ever since the theft of public service industries, sold off cheaply to ‘market forces’ the regulators have always kissed the anus of big business when asked to.
When I want in depth coverage of current issues or historical documentaries like ‘The Killing Of The Count’ – the cold blooded murder of the unarmed representative of the UN, Count Bernadotte my go-to TV station is Al-Jazeera I have long given up on UK TV for anything resembling factual unbiased information.
They should start each programme on GB News with that wonderful song from the film – The Producer – It’s Springtime for Hitler – it would set the tone perfectly.
Here’s a clip of Jacob Rees-Mogg interviewing professor of economics at Kings College London, Jonathan Portes on GB News.
I think JRM comes off second best. https://twitter.com/PeterStefanovi2/status/1636145020980822020