Jacob Rees-Mogg Breaks Lifelong Principle, Denounces Ofcom’s Outdated Standards
The well-known politician-turned-Jacob Rees-Mogg has unexpectedly violated a lifelong principle and unleashed a vicious attack on Ofcom, the UK’s broadcast regulator. This unusual outburst was sparked by Ofcom’s decision to punish GB News, a new right-wing news channel, for repeatedly breaking broadcasting regulations.
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Ofcom’s investigation revealed that several episodes of GB News programs, including Jacob Rees-Mogg’s “State of the Nation,” along with presentations by Esther McVey and Philip Davies, had violated regulations concerning politicians assuming roles as newsreaders, interviewers, or reporters. The ruling prompted an unprecedented response from Rees-Mogg, who typically upholds traditional values and institutions.
In a fiery rebuke aired shortly after the ruling, Rees-Mogg lambasted Ofcom for being antiquated and out-of-touch with modern broadcasting dynamics. He accused the regulator of clinging to a bygone era, suggesting that its standards were reminiscent of a time when news was delivered by authoritative figures like Alvar Lidell, a BBC news presenter from the mid-20th century. Rees-Mogg argued that contemporary news presentation is characterized by a diversity of voices and opinions, contrasting sharply with the singular authoritative tone of the past.
Central to Rees-Mogg’s criticism was Ofcom’s alleged double standards, particularly its leniency towards left-wing broadcasters like Channel 4 News while imposing strict regulations on right-leaning channels such as GB News. He condemned Ofcom’s failure to adapt to the evolving media landscape, emphasizing the importance of free speech and diverse viewpoints in news broadcasting.
Rees-Mogg’s sentiments were echoed by Nigel Farage, a prominent figure in right-wing politics and a contributor to GB News. Farage accused Ofcom of succumbing to political pressure from established media outlets, labeling its actions as overtly political and detrimental to fair competition in the broadcasting industry. He pledged unwavering support for GB News in the face of what he perceived as an orchestrated campaign to stifle dissenting voices.
Farage’s announcement of an exclusive interview with former President Donald Trump underscored GB News’s determination to challenge the status quo and assert its influence in the media landscape. With Farage’s rallying cry to “fight like hell,” GB News appears poised to confront the regulatory and institutional barriers that threaten its disruptive presence in British journalism.
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The clash between GB News and Ofcom highlights broader tensions within the media industry, reflecting the struggle for dominance between traditional establishments and emerging platforms that seek to redefine the boundaries of public discourse. As the battle for narrative control intensifies, the outcome will not only shape the future of broadcasting but also determine the extent of free expression and diversity in the public sphere.
Author: DA
Source: Daily Express: ‘We’ll fight like hell!’ Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage tear into Ofcom’s anti-GB News ruling
