Ofcom's decision not to investigate GB News over presenter Bev Turner's assertion that there was no riot in Belfast has sparked outrage among media professionals and campaign groups. The regulator's stance comes despite receiving 446 complaints about the broadcast, which aired hours after civil unrest erupted in the Northern Irish capital.
The violence broke out following the charging of a Sudanese man in connection with a knife attack, with a video of the incident being circulated by far-right figures and prompting calls for protests. During the live segment on Late Show Live, Ms Turner repeatedly stated that there was no riot, despite being shown footage of burning vehicles and properties. When confronted by her guest, political commentator Matthew Stadlen, she dismissed the evidence as "not that dramatic."
Ofcom explained its decision by noting that Ms Turner's claims were robustly challenged during the broadcast, and that she was simply expressing her personal view. However, this stance has been widely criticised by experts, who argue that factual accuracy is crucial in times of civil unrest.
Independent media consultant Chris Banatvala described Turner's comments as "clearly misleading" and warned they risked fuelling conspiracy theories. He highlighted the perceived inconsistency between Ofcom's efforts to clamp down on misinformation and its decision not to investigate GB News, despite higher legal standards applying to broadcasters.
Richard Wilson, director of Reliable Media, who filed a complaint about the broadcast, expressed concern that Ofcom's stance effectively gives broadcasters a "green light" to make unsubstantiated claims as long as they are challenged on air. The incident has reignited debates about the balance between freedom of expression and editorial responsibility in the rapidly evolving news landscape.