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.