Ofcom begins investigation into GB News over anti-cashless society marketing campaign
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fcom has launched an investigation into GB News over a marketing campaign which calls on the Government to introduce legal guidelines to “protect the status of cash”.
The media watchdog mentioned on Friday that it will be wanting on the channel’s Don’t Kill Cash petition after a criticism.
Ofcom mentioned underneath its guidelines all broadcasters are excluded from expressing views on “political and industrial controversy or current public policy”.
These necessities don’t apply to the broadcaster’s presenters or visitors however the organisation itself and folks with editorial duty for the service, the watchdog additionally mentioned.
Ofcom added: “Our investigation does not seek to question the merits of the campaign itself.”
The GB News marketing campaign encourages viewers to signal a petition, which says: “I call on the Government to introduce legislation to protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment in the UK until at least 2050.”
The channel, launched two years in the past, additionally claimed that “people who rely on cash are increasingly being left behind by the relentless march of technology” and “more and more shops, cafes and pubs are choosing to only accept card payments”.
Its marketing campaign has already attracted greater than 170,000 signatures, in line with the GB News web site.
GB News has been contacted for remark.