Wednesday 23 February 2022 2:57 pm | Updated: Wednesday 23 February 2022 3:00 pm

MPs call for media watchdog to investigate Kremlin-controlled Russia Today TV

Inside RT Studios In Moscow — MOSCOW, RUSSIA – DECEMBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been reviewed by RT prior to transmission.) The RT logo displayed in its office on December 6, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. RT, formerly known as Russia Today, is a state-funded TV network that produces news content in English and several other languages. The network insists it is no different from other global broadcasters, like the BBC, albeit one that offers alternative views to the mainstream Western media. Western governments, however, see the network as an instrument of the Russian government. (Photo by Misha Friedman/Getty Images)

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said this morning that she thought the media regulator Ofcom would be looking at Russia’s state-backed news channel Russia Today, which is broadcast in the UK.

“On the subject of Russia Today I am of the view that it broadcasts propaganda and fake news on a regular basis and is effectively an arm of the Russian state, and I’m sure Ofcom is looking at that,” Truss told Times Radio when asked about RT and the Champions League final going ahead in Russia.

It comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for the Kremlin’s state-controlled TV network to be banned from airing in the UK.

“Putin’s campaign of misinformation should be tackled, and Russia Today should be prevented from broadcasting its propaganda around the world”, he told Parliament, following Russian troops advancing into the country’s east.

Shadow Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy echoed this call for action, adding: “When the Russia Report was published we asked Ofcom to review Russia Today’s license. Given what is unfolding, why is it still freely broadcasting state propaganda in the UK?”

Indeed, Ofcom fined the broadcaster £200,000 back in 2019 over breaches to impartiality rules, especially surrounding the Salisbury Novichok poisonings.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries also aired her concerns last night on Twitter regarding the Champions League match scheduled to be played at the Gazprom Arena on May 28 in St Petersburg.

I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies.

We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine.
— Rt Hon Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) February 22, 2022

It is understood that UEFA is considering moving the game, following Boris Johnson’s comments that Russia has “no chance'” of hosting football. tournaments

A spokesperson for Ofcom told City A.M.: “All licensees must observe Ofcom’s rules, including due accuracy and due impartiality. If broadcasters break those rules, we will not hesitate to step in. Given the seriousness of the Ukraine crisis, we will examine complaints about any broadcaster’s news coverage of this issue as a priority.”

Boris Johnson has since said that Dorries has written to Ofcom to ask for a probe into whether to ban RT.