Ofcom has launched an investigation into an episode of Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg's GB News present during which he lined a breaking news story a couple of courtroom case involving Donald Trump.

The media watchdog mentioned it acquired 40 complaints objecting to the MP for North East Somerset performing as a newsreader throughout his State Of The Nation present on 9 May, as politicians are prevented from doing this function except it's "editorially justified".

The investigation may also have a look at whether or not the GB News programme abided by these pointers when it reported on a civil trial verdict reached that day on the former US president.

"We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules, which prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified," an Ofcom spokesperson mentioned.

The regulator may also examine an episode of Talk TV's Richard Tice programme offered by the chief of the Alba Party Alex Salmond on 2 April.

Ofcom mentioned it acquired two complaints relating to the impartiality of the present, particularly in relation to a dialogue on whether or not the SNP was "holding back the course of independence".

A spokesperson mentioned: "We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules requiring news and current affairs to be presented with due impartiality."

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The media regulator mentioned it's nonetheless investigating an version of GB News' Saturday Morning With Esther And Philip broadcast on 11 March, which stars the husband-and-wife duo Esther McVey and Philip Davies, who're each serving MPs.

Ofcom guidelines surrounding politicians presenting programmes had been first launched in 2005.

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The media watchdog additionally mentioned it was conducting new analysis to "gauge current audience attitudes" into present affairs programmes offered by sitting politicians given the rise within the format.

This report might be carried out by a analysis company, with Ofcom aiming to publish the findings later this yr.