Ofcom confirmed that an interview on the Mark Steyn show breached its code with Covid claims (Picture: GB News)
Former GB News presenter Mark Steyn is taking legal action against Ofcom after they confirmed a previous episode breached the code.
Earlier today, the media watchdog said the episode, which aired on October 4 2022, featured an interview between Canadian presenter Steyn and guest Dr Naomi Wolf, who made ‘serious claims’ about the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr Naomi said its rollout amounted to a pre-meditated crime and used the term ‘mass murder’.
Ofcom said it received 422 complaints that alleged these comments were ‘dangerous’ and included ‘misinformation’ that went ‘unopposed’.
It is the second ‘significant breach’ of the code recorded against GB News and therefore Ofcom is requesting the broadcaster attend a meeting ‘to discuss its approach to compliance’.
In response to the regulator’s ruling, a rep for Steyn told Metro.co.uk: ‘Ofcom is exceeding its statutory authority in a way none of its predecessor entities – the IBA, the Radio Authority, etc – ever did. It has become a kangaroo court, micromanaging UK media coverage on critical aspects of public policy in ways that deeply damage free and open discourse in a land that was once the crucible of liberty.
Mark resigned from GB News in February after Ofcom’s measures (Picture: GB News)
Dr Naomi Wolf made ‘serious claims’ about the Covid-19 vaccine (Picture: Twitter)
‘I am already taking Ofcom to court over their previous decision, and we will add this to the charge sheet.’
The first breach came from an episode of his show which aired on April 21 2022.
In that show, the host quoted UK Health Security Agency data while saying vaccines caused hospitalisation, higher infection and death rate increases.
Steyn, 63, resigned from GB News in February after Ofcom’s measures.
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He also alleged that he would be financially responsible for any potential Ofcom fines rather than GB News.
He claimed: ‘I’m on the hook for Ofcom fines but I don’t have any say in our defence against an Ofcom complaint – that’s all done by GB News.’
The Canadian author added that, in the event of a fine, he would be the ‘one who has to pay the £40,000 fine or whatever it is.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to GB News for comment.
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Ofcom ruled that his episode breached the code.