GB News: Ofcom shuns investigation into Dan Wootton’s lockdown rant
Media watchdog Ofcom has opted not to investigate anti-lockdown comments made by Dan Wootton on the opening night of GB News, marking a victory for the nascent news channel.
A total of 390 complaints were lodged with the regulator after Wootton, former executive editor of the Sun, launched a tirade against the government’s response to the pandemic.
During the monologue he railed against lockdowns and argued that “doomsday scientists and public health officials have taken control”.
But despite the large number of complaints Ofcom today said it would not launch a formal investigation into the channel.
It also dismissed a string of other complaints against GB News, including accusations that Wootton was “materially misleading” during his show on the channel’s second night.
The verdict will come as a major boost to Andrew Neil’s venture, which is aimed at tapping into audiences it argues have been overlooked by traditional media outlets.
GB News has pursued an opinion-led approach to programming. Ofcom impartiality rules dictate that balance must be achieved across a channel’s full schedule of shows.
It comes after viewing figures revealed that the startup channel has suffered a ratings slump since its launch last month.
Audience numbers have fallen to less than half the peak recorded on GB News’ first full day, sparking concerns about its long-term prospects.
It piles further pressure on the channel, which has been hit by an advertising boycott that has seen brands including Kopparberg, Nivea, Ikea and Grolsch pull ads from the network.
Flagship presenter Neil also decided to take a break from GB News just two weeks after its launch, admitting it had got off to a “rocky start”.