A question of balance: Poliitcally motivated stations in the UK - Page 2

GE

thegeek Founding member 17 February 2019 10:44am

There are times when I consider impartiality legislation an anachronism due to a combination of long standing bias in the print media and changes in technology. The legislation does not officially apply to non-British satellite channels that can be received in the UK or internet TV, which raises questions whether it should apply to any other TV channels that are not PSB.

It does apply to channels broadcast from the UK that aren't aimed at the UK though - a quick browse though the recent issues of the Ofcom broadcast bulletin will show you plenty of examples.

NL

Ne1L C 17 February 2019 11:07am

623058 posted:

That is against the law, and you would be fined, and more likley lose your licence as in the case of Fox news

I understand that but I'm thinking of a situation where no such regulations exist.

BR

Brekkie 17 February 2019 11:26am

Does the regulation cover on demand services?

There has been the argument over the last couple of years is that the need to be seen as fair and balanced is a key reason why the media have failed to hold the government and prominent Brexiteers to account as calling them out on their failings just sees them getting accused of bias.

JA

james-2001 17 February 2019 11:49am

Yes, it does seem that impartiality gets taken too literally, giving equal prominence and little challenge to views that don't deserve it.

IS

Inspector Sands 17 February 2019 12:57pm

james-2001 posted:

Yes, it does seem that impartiality gets taken too literally, giving equal prominence and little challenge to views that don't deserve it.

Yes false balance, as demonstration of this from John Oliver from a few years ago:
https://youtu.be/cjuGCJJUGsg?t=107

A question of balance

Poliitcally motivated stations in the UK (February 2019)