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Written question asked by Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2025. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Friday, 28 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Broadcasting Programmes: Members

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code in regulating hon. Members presenting television programmes.

Answer

The Government is deeply concerned about the blurring of news and fact with opinion and polemic in the broadcast media environment. As the Secretary of State has set out, it is a dangerous place for democracy if people cannot trust what they see and hear.

Ofcom, by law, carries out its duties independently of the Government. Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code includes rules to ensure news, in whatever form, is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality. Following consultation, Ofcom recently updated their guidance to make it clearer to broadcasters that politicians may not present news programmes, unless exceptionally justified. Politicians are not prohibited from presenting other types of programmes, provided that they follow the rules in Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. The Secretary of State is now considering whether the Government needs to go further to protect audiences.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
92476
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Codes of practice Broadcasting programmes Members Ofcom
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk