This report explores audiences’ understanding of news and current affairs content and their expectations of due impartiality when politicians are presenting. We commissioned the study from Ipsos in light of the rise in the number of programmes presented by politicians, the keen public interest in this issue, and to build our evidence to inform our work.
The findings of this research will also help broadcasters to better understand audiences’ expectations about the use of politicians as presenters in their programmes.
The report will inform Ofcom’s decisions about any future complaints regarding politicians presenting programmes on TV and radio, while having full regard to broadcasters’ and audiences’ rights to freedom of expression, including audiences’ right to receive information and ideas without unnecessary interference.
Report
Audience attitudes towards politicians presenting on TV and radio report (PDF, 3.69 MB)On 28 February 2025, following a judicial review claim by GB News, the High Court quashed two Ofcom breach decisions against GB News and remitted them to Ofcom for reconsideration. Ofcom decided not to reinvestigate these two programmes. On 13 March 2025, Ofcom withdrew the three other breach decisions against GB News and one not pursued decision dated 18 March 2024. Ofcom removed all these decisions from GB News’ compliance record. All these decisions can be accessed for information here: