Ofcom omitted detailed survey data showing GB News viewers rate the channel more trustworthy than the BBC; the figures were posted online only after GB News requested them. The research found 74% of GB News viewers called the channel trustworthy, with GB News and Sky tied on impartiality at 63%. Ofcom says the omission was an administrative error; GB News accused the regulator of downplaying its popularity amid broader debates about which outlets should be classed as "trusted."
Ofcom Accused Of Withholding Data After Survey Shows GB News Rated More Trustworthy Than BBC
Ofcom and GB News have repeatedly clashed over impartiality rules, in particular its use of politicians such as Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg (left) and Nigel Farage as presenters - Stefan Rousseau/PA
Media regulator Ofcom has been criticised after detailed survey figures showing GB News viewers rated the channel more trustworthy than the BBC were omitted from this year’s published report and only posted online after a request from GB News.
Ofcom’s latest news consumption research found that 74% of GB News viewers described the channel as trustworthy, compared with 71% for Sky News and 66% for the BBC. The survey also showed GB News tied with Sky on perceived impartiality at 63% and that 72% of GB News viewers said the channel presented a broad range of viewpoints.
The regulator traditionally published these underlying figures alongside a press release highlighting its main findings. This year the detailed tables were not included in the initial release; Ofcom says an administrative error caused a short delay and that the main report focused on key findings.
GB News response: "These figures prove why GB News is Britain's undisputed number one news channel. Our viewers and listeners trust us to provide them with news, and our bold and fearless journalism is connecting with communities everywhere," a GB News spokesman said.
Ofcom response: "An administrative error led to a short delay in publishing the underlying data for this year's report, which we corrected as soon as we became aware. More broadly, not all of the vast amounts of data we produce can be included in the main report, which focused on our key findings," an Ofcom spokesman said.
The omission has fed accusations from GB News supporters that the regulator intentionally downplayed the channel’s ratings and trust levels. Critics warn the dispute risks intensifying long-standing tensions between the broadcaster and Ofcom, which have clashed repeatedly over impartiality enforcement.
Wider Context
The row comes as ministers consider proposals to require large social platforms to prominently feature material from so-called "trusted" news providers. The Government’s green paper names public service broadcasters — the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 — as among the most trusted, but it has not set out clear criteria for which outlets would qualify.
GB News has sought recognition as public service media and asked to compete for public funding on equal terms with commercial rivals rather than see funding channelled automatically to the BBC. Official ratings agency Barb reports GB News as the most-watched non-public-service broadcaster so far this year, with an average daily audience just under 90,000.
Regulatory History
Ofcom has previously fined and censured GB News. In 2024 the regulator fined the channel £100,000 over a programme featuring the then prime minister, Rishi Sunak, and it has opened investigations into broadcasts that aired conspiracy theories and a guest’s comments linking Pride to paedophilia and bestiality. Last year, however, GB News won a High Court reversal of an Ofcom ruling relating to a programme presented by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Senior figures at GB News and some supporters argue the channel is being politically targeted, pointing to campaigns by groups such as the Good Law Project. The immediate dispute over the missing data is likely to fuel debate about how trust and impartiality are measured and which outlets should be prioritised when platforms promote "trusted" news.
Help us improve.
