Questions have been raised about GB News adhering to Ofcom's impartiality, fairness, and accuracy rules, but Lord Grade affirmed these rules apply equally to all broadcasters, including the BBC.
The MPs hosting shows on GB News are Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, deputy chairman Lee Anderson, Esther McVey, and Philip Davies, with salaries disclosed for Anderson, McVey, and Davies. Boris Johnson's joining of the channel and his salary details remain undisclosed.
Lord Grade emphasized Ofcom's focus on ensuring choice and freedom of expression within due impartiality rules. He also mentioned that Ofcom currently has 14 investigations open into GB News, including into comments made by actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox on the Dan Wootton Tonight programme.
GB News isn't alone in employing serving politicians, with examples in other broadcasters like TalkTV and LBC, where former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy have hosted programs. Lord Grade's comments highlight Ofcom's stance on neutrality in matters of employment while maintaining regulatory standards for broadcasting content.