Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has described Nigel Farage presenting a show on GB News while leading a political party as “completely unsatisfactory.” Speaking to the Culture, Media & Sport Committee, Nandy said politicians from all parties have raised concerns about the Reform UK leader hosting a regular programme on the right-leaning channel.
Nandy warned that the blurring of lines between political polemic and impartial news is “very dangerous” for democracy. She stated that the public has a right to know whether they are watching impartial news or opinion. The issue is currently being examined by regulator Ofcom, which may recommend changes to prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders or interviewers.
GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos rejected Nandy's criticism, asserting that the channel does not use politicians to present news programmes. He noted that politicians may host current affairs shows, but GB News includes diverse perspectives. Frangopoulos also highlighted the channel's recent High Court victory against Ofcom over a report by former MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Nandy also defended the BBC, calling it one of the UK's most important institutions alongside the NHS. She praised BBC bosses for their response to recent scandals and confirmed that the terms of reference for the BBC's 2027 charter renewal would be published soon.
