GB News: Ofcom will not investigate Dan Wootton’s opening night Covid rant
Presenter encouraged viewers to push back against ‘doomsday scientists’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ofcom will not formally investigate comments made by Dan Wootton about the extension of lockdown on GB News.
The presenter, who used to work as a showbiz columnist and executive editor at The Sun, caused controversy on the channel’s first day as he ranted about the delay in lifting coronavirus restrictions, which were originally planned to occur on 21 June.
During his monologue, Wootton claimed: “It’s increasingly clear now that there is a move among some public health officials and politicians to create an ultra-cautious biosecurity state, copying the likes of China.”
He also encouraged viewers to push back against “doomsday scientists”, who he said were “addicted to the power”.
On Monday (5 July), Ofcom announced that, while 390 viewers had complained about the accuracy of Wooton’s comments, Ofcom would not be formally investigating the incident.
It also dismissed 42 complaints that Wootton was “materially misleading” on the second night of GB News.
Last week, it was revealed that GB News’s viewership had dipped to the extent that it was outperformed by a Welsh-language episode of children’s show Paw Patrol.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments