Ofcom faces pressure to enforce broadcasting standards in the UK

Campaigners are calling for increased enforcement from Ofcom, the UK broadcasting regulator, following concerns over a decline in media standards. Critics argue that the regulator has seen a significant reduction in upheld complaints, noting that while over 200 complaints were upheld in 2009, only 22 were upheld in 2025.

There are specific allegations regarding the failure to investigate hateful or misleading commentary on outlets such as GB News and Talk TV. Advocates suggest this inaction has allowed for a rise in anti-migrant narratives and climate change denial. In response to content on GB News, the group Stop Funding Hate reports that the channel has lost over £130 million in advertising revenue as major brands distance themselves from the broadcaster.

In March 2026, Ofcom reportedly reversed previous decisions regarding Talk TV complaints and initiated its first investigations into climate-related content.