Ofcom to investigate complaints of climate change denial for first time since 2017

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Ofcom launches climate denial investigation after 7-year pause

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Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

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British media regulator Ofcom opened its first investigation into climate change denial broadcasts in seven years after receiving viewer complaints.

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The probe marks Ofcom’s first formal examination of climate denial content since 2017 when similar complaints were lodged against broadcasters.

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Broadcasters face potential sanctions if found in breach of UK broadcasting rules requiring factual accuracy. The investigation resumes regulatory scrutiny of climate misinformation on British airwaves.

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Ofcom confirmed the investigation to Parliament’s environmental audit committee on Tuesday, committee member Emma Hardy told reporters. The watchdog pledged to examine whether broadcast segments met accuracy standards under the Broadcasting Code.

The investigation follows multiple complaints from viewers about climate science coverage, according to committee chair Philip Dunne. He said members pressed Ofcom to act after receiving correspondence from constituents concerned about misleading climate content.

Hardy quoted Ofcom officials saying they would “investigate any breach of the Broadcasting Code” when climate denial claims emerge. The regulator maintains powers to impose fines or force corrections on channels found violating accuracy requirements.

Climate disinformation monitoring groups documented 19 instances of climate denial on UK television during 2023, according to research shared with MPs. Broadcasters aired segments questioning mainstream climate science on GB News, TalkTV and YouTube channels reaching British audiences.

Ofcom previously investigated climate-related content in 2017 over BBC radio segments promoting climate change denial views, the regulator’s records show. No sanctions resulted after broadcasters issued corrections, but watchdog officials warned then about the dangers of false balance.

Recent complaints stem from broadcasts featuring commentators rejecting established climate science, environmental audit committee members said. They told Ofcom current rules require broadcasters to present scientific consensus accurately when discussing climate change.

The Broadcasting Code mandates “due impartiality” and “due accuracy” in news programming covering controversial subjects. Channels must ensure factual content meets scientific evidence standards, particularly on settled science like anthropogenic climate change.

Ofcom declined to specify which broadcasts prompted the investigation, citing ongoing procedures. A spokesperson said the regulator examines all complaints “on a case by case basis” against code requirements.

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Background

Ofcom received 75 complaints about climate-related broadcasts between 2018 and 2022, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by campaign groups. The watchdog dismissed most complaints without investigation, finding no clear code breaches.

Climate scientists warned Parliament in 2022 that British media platforms spread denialist claims contradicting IPCC findings. They documented segments alleging natural climate cycles or rejecting observed temperature increases during the past decade.

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What’s Next

The investigation findings must be delivered to Parliament by September under committee requirements, Dunne said. Broadcasters under review will receive formal notices if preliminary examination finds potential violations.

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Media lawyers said the investigation signals renewed regulatory appetite for challenging climate misinformation following years of inaction. They warned broadcasters airing climate denial content face higher compliance costs and potential sanctions as Ofcom resumes enforcement.