Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, has declined to investigate GB News after presenter Bev Turner claimed there was 'no riot' in Belfast in June, despite widespread violence including burning cars and houses, attacks on police, and families fleeing their homes. The regulator received 446 complaints about the comments made on the broadcaster's Late Show Live.
Turner's comments and the violence
On the night of the unrest, Turner stated: 'There was no riot. There is not a house that has been burnt down. There are no riots.' When guest Matthew Stadlen pointed to footage of burning cars and houses, Turner replied she had seen it and it was 'not that dramatic'. The violence in Belfast erupted after a Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder in relation to a knife attack, with a video of the incident posted by far-right figures including Tommy Robinson.
Ofcom's reasoning
Ofcom said it would not investigate because Turner's comments reflected her personal view and were 'robustly challenged' by Stadlen, who referenced specific aspects of the disorder. The regulator stated: 'Taking into account that the comments reflected her personal view and received robust challenge by a guest – who referenced specific aspects of the disorder which countered the presenter's own analysis – the programme did not raise potentially substantive issues warranting further investigation.'
Criticism of the decision
Critics argue the decision sets a low bar for broadcast accuracy. Richard Wilson, director of campaign group Reliable Media, said: 'Whether or not a house burned down is not a matter of opinion … It now looks like Ofcom has told GB News that as long as someone in the studio disagrees with you, you can say what you like about settled facts. That's not regulation. It's a green light.' Chris Banatvala, an independent media consultant who drafted Ofcom's code, said Turner's comments were 'clearly misleading' and risked 'fuelling conspiracy theories'. He added: 'A broadcaster has an editorial voice which must respect the facts.'
Turner's defense
Turner later said on social media she had been speaking in the early hours, 'relying on sparse footage and interpreting media descriptions'. She feared the disorder would be used 'by the government to introduce more powers of control' and believed Stadlen was 'priming viewers at home to accept incoming restrictions'. GB News was approached for comment but did not respond.
