简体中文
Ofcom has ruled Eamonn Holmes' comments about the discredited theory linking coronavirus with 5G were "ill-judged", while a TV interview with conspiracy theorist David Icke on COVID-19 "risked causing significant harm".
The media watchdog is currently prioritising cases involving
COVID-19
in a bid to stop the spread of misinformation during the **pandemic
** .
It received more than 400 complaints following the remarks by presenter
Holmes
on ITV's This Morning, which he was hosting, on 13 April.
Image:Eamonn Holmes later clarified his comments on 5G but did not apologise
Ofcom said it has now issued guidance to the broadcaster.
In a statement, the organisation said Holmes "risked undermining viewers' trust in advice from public authorities and scientific evidence".
It added: "His statements were also highly sensitive in view of the recent attacks on mobile phone masts in the UK, caused by conspiracy theories linking 5G technology and the virus."
In a discussion about 5G technology, Holmes told fellow presenter Alice Beer: "I totally agree with everything you are saying but what I don't accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don't know it's not true.
"No one should attack or damage or do anything like that but it's very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative."
The presenter added: "That's all I would say, as someone with an inquiring mind."
The 5G theory won't go away - here's why it's nonsense
The following day, Holmes said he had been "misinterpreted" and wanted to clarify his comments on the show, adding that there is "no scientific evidence to substantiate any 5G theories".
Ofcom said it had taken his statement into account when assessing the case, and noted that the segment included a "prominent caption which rooted the discussion in 'fake news'".
Context was provided by Beer, who "strongly rejected" the theory, it said.
However, it added that guidance had been issued to ITV and its presenters.
A spokeswoman for the watchdog said: "Broadcasters have editorial freedom to discuss and challenge the approach taken by public authorities to a serious public health crisis such as the coronavirus.
"However, discussions of unproven claims must be put fully into context - especially at a time when
mobile phone masts in the UK are being attacked
, risking significant harm to the public."
An ITV spokeswoman said the broadcaster has "noted the guidance given by Ofcom".
Image:David Icke is a well known conspiracy theorist. Pic: Chris Balcombe/Shutterstock
Icke's comments on coronavirus
were made during an interview with London Live on 8 April in a programme called London Real: COVID-19, in which he shared his unsubstantiated views on the causes of the outbreak.
A well-known conspiracy theorist,Icke's earlier assertions include his claim that the world is run by reptiles and the royal family are lizards.
Ofcom received 19 complaints about the show, and has now concluded that the interview "risked causing significant harm to viewers".
It has imposed a sanction on the channel's owner ESTV, which it said "failed in its responsibility to ensure that viewers were adequately protected".
**:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on **
Apple Podcasts
**, Google Podcasts
, Spotify
, Spreaker
**
The watchdog is considering whether to impose a further sanction and is "directing London Live to broadcast a summary of our findings on a date and form to be decided by Ofcom".
A spokeswoman for London Live apologised for the incident.
She said: "London Live respects Ofcom's decision in this case and apologises for any harm this may have caused."
