Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin issue number 114

Ofcom today published Broadcast Bulletin issue number 114. The Bulletin details the outcome of Ofcom's investigation into The Great Global Warming Swindle, broadcast on Channel 4 on 8 March 2007. This programme sought to challenge the theory that human activity is the major cause of climate change and global warming.

In breach

Ofcom has found Channel 4 in breach of the following rule set out in the Broadcasting Code (“the Code”):

Rule 7.1: “Broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes.”;

Ofcom’s investigation found that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the former Government Chief Scientist, Sir David King and Professor Carl Wunsch were treated unfairly in the programme. In particular, the programme made some significant allegations without offering an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond. In the case of Sir David King, the programme makers also criticised him for comments he did not make.

Ofcom also found Channel 4 in breach of:

Rule 5.11: “….due impartiality must be preserved on matters of major political and industrial controversy and major matters relating to current public policy…”; and

Rule 5.12: “In dealing with matters of major political and industrial controversy and major matters relating to current public policy an appropriately wide range of significant views must be included and given due weight in each programme or in clearly linked and timely programmes. Views and facts must not be misrepresented”.

Ofcom found that the final part (five) of the programme breached the “due impartiality” requirements of the Code. By focusing on policies adopted by UN and Western governments to tackle global warming and their consequences, part five of the programme concerned “major matters of political or industrial controversy or major matter relating to current public policy”. As such the programme was required to include an appropriate wide range of the significant views. The programme makers failed to do this.

Not in breach

Ofcom did not find parts one to four of the programme, which focused on the scientific debate about the causes of global warming, in breach of the Code. Ofcom concluded that these parts of the programme were not matters of political or industrial controversy or matters relating to public policy and therefore the rules on due impartiality did not apply.

In addition, while Ofcom had concerns about aspects of the presentation (and omission) of fact and views within the programme, it did not believe, given the nature of the programme, that this led to the audience being materially misled. As such, Channel 4 has not been found in breach of Rule 2.2 of the Broadcasting Code.

Ofcom considers that it is important, in line with the right to freedom of expression, that broadcasters continue to produce challenging and controversial programmes, so long as they comply with the Code.

Channel 4 has been directed to broadcast a summary of Ofcom's Adjudications relating to the fairness complaints on Channel 4 and More4.

The Bulletin, including the full findings into The Great Global Warming Swindle, can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/obb/prog_cb/obb114/

Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin issue number 114

In breach

Not in breach

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