Ofcom has launched investigations into whether shows hosted by Alex Salmond and Jacob Rees-Mogg broke news standards rules.
The media watchdog will probe whether an episode of Richard Tice on TalkTV, which was presented by the former First Minister on April 2, breached its impartiality rules.
The eponymous programme is usually hosted by Tice, who helped found the Brexit Party with Nigel Farage, now the UK Reform Party.
Ofcom said it received two complaints regarding the impartiality of the programme, specifically in relation to a discussion on whether the SNP was “holding back the course of independence”.
Salmond led the SNP until his resignation after the 2014 referendum. He later quit the SNP in 2018 and founded the Alba Party in 2021, which he now leads.
A spokesperson for the regulator said: “We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules requiring news and current affairs to be presented with due impartiality.”
Salmond told STV News: “I have literally no idea what seems to be troubling Ofcom or indeed the two people who apparently complained about the Show. I look forward to finding out.”
Meanwhile, Rees-Mogg will be investigated over an episode of his GB News show which addressed a court case involving Donald Trump.
Ofcom said it received 40 complaints objecting to the MP for North East Somerset acting as a newsreader during his State Of The Nation show on May 9 as politicians are prevented from this role unless it is “editorially justified”.
The investigation will look at whether the GB News programme abided by these guidelines when it reported on a civil trial verdict reached that day on the former US president.
ITVAn Ofcom spokesperson said: “We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules, which prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders, unless exceptionally, it is editorially justified.”
The media regulator added that it is still investigating an edition of GB News’ Saturday Morning With Esther And Philip broadcast on March 11 which stars the husband-and-wife duo (Esther McVey and Philip Davies) who are both serving MPs.
The Ofcom rules surrounding politicians presenting programmes were first introduced in 2005.
The media watchdog has said that they are conducting new research to “gauge current audience attitudes” into current affairs programmes presented by sitting politicians given the rise in the format.
This report will be carried out by an research agency and Ofcom aim to publish the findings later this year.
Salmond and Rees-Mogg have been approached for comment.
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