Ofcom has fined religious satellite channel Loveworld £25,000 after an investigation found it had broken broadcasting rules.
In two episodes of current affairs programme Full Disclosure, the presenters made a number of “unevidenced, materially misleading and potentially harmful statements about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines, which were broadcast without providing adequate protection for viewers.”
The regulator says it is legitimate for broadcasters to discuss and scrutinise the Government’s public health response to the coronavirus pandemic – including the potential side effects of vaccinations – but the broadcast in February 2021 came without challenge and at a time when audiences might have been looking for reliable information about the vaccination programme.
Ofcom has already ordered Loveworld not to repeat the programmes and broadcast Ofcom’s decision.
Loveworld’s fine of £25,000 goes straight to the treasury and reflects the action taken to avoid future compliance.
