On Friday, British broadcast regulator Ofcom stated that Russian news outlet RT’s license to transmit in the UK has been terminated “with immediate effect.”
“We have done so because we do not believe RT’s licensee, ANO TV Novosti, is fit and appropriate to have a UK broadcast licence,” the watchdog said in a statement.
“Today’s decision comes amid 29 continuing Ofcom investigations into the fairness of RT’s news and current affairs coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” the statement said.
The “number and possibly serious nature of the complaints reported in such a short period” is “of significant concern,” according to Ofcom, “particularly considering RT’s compliance history.”
A second inquiry has been initiated “to examine whether ANO TV Novosti is suitable and proper to keep its broadcasting license,” according to the statement.
“A variety of issues, including RT’s ties with the Russian Federation, have been considered in this examination,” it stated.
“It has recognized that RT is supported by the Russian state, which has recently invaded a neighboring sovereign country,” the statement added, alluding to Russia’s four-week-old assault on Ukraine.
“We also take notice of new Russian legislation that essentially criminalize any independent journalism that contradicts the Russian state’s official news narrative, particularly in respect to the invasion of Ukraine.” Given these limits, we believe it is difficult for RT to comply with our Broadcasting Code’s proper impartiality guidelines in the current situation.”
Due to sanctions placed on Russia “as a result of measures imposed by the EU since the invasion of Ukraine began,” RT, formerly known as Russia Today, has been off the air in the United Kingdom.
“The importance, in our democratic society, of a broadcaster’s right to freedom of speech and the audience’s right to receive information and ideas without undue intervention,” the UK watchdog added.
“We also recognize the necessity of sustaining public and audience trust in the UK’s broadcasting regulatory structure.”
Ofcom, on the other hand, stated that they have “In the existing circumstances, we cannot be convinced that RT can be a responsible broadcaster. As a result, Ofcom has immediately revoked RT’s broadcasting license.”
RT had previously been penalized for impartiality violations totaling £200,000 ($263,000).