Ofcom has found that seven RT programmes broke broadcasting rules by failing to preserve due impartiality.
The investigations into the news channel were launched earlier this year, as TVBEurope reported.
Broadcast over a six-week period, the programmes found in breach of impartiality rules were:
- Sputnik, RT, 17th March 2018, 19:30
- News, RT, 18th March 2018, 08:00
- Sputnik, RT, 7th April 2018, 19:30
- Crosstalk, RT, 13th April 2018, 20:30
- Crosstalk, RT, 16th April 2018, 20:30
- Crosstalk, RT, 20th April 2018, 08:30
- News, RT, 26th April 2018, 08:00
Three further programmes were cleared of impartiality breaches.
Ofcom said in a statement: “Taken together, the seven breaches represent a serious failure of compliance with our broadcasting rules. We have told RT that we are minded to consider imposing a statutory sanction. The broadcaster now has an opportunity to make representations to us, which we will consider before proceeding further.”
RT responded: “RT is extremely disappointed by Ofcom’s conclusions in what were almost all self-initiated investigations into RT by the regulator. We operate under rules outlined by the regulator, and always strive to abide by them. It appears Ofcom has failed to fully take on-board what we said in response to its investigations and, in particular, has not paid due regard to the rights of a broadcaster and the audience. We are reviewing the findings Ofcom has put forward and will decide shortly the nature of our next steps.”
