Media regulator Ofcom has sanctioned community radio broadcaster, Uckfield FM, after it aired a misleading interview regarding the Coronavirus.
Ofcom found that the station had featured a guest on a show who was described as being a healthcare professional. The guest went on to claim that the coronavirus outbreak was linked to 5G mobile technology.
In a statement, Ofcom said; “Broadcasters have a valuable role to play in informing and updating people about important issues in society, like the coronavirus.
During the current pandemic, it’s important that potentially misleading information about the coronavirus is not broadcast on radio or TV. This includes inaccurate claims about potential causes, symptoms, and treatments for the virus.”
Ofcom has prioritised its handling of complaints based on their potential harm to audiences, taking swift action in respect to health claims related to the virus, medical advice which may be incorrect and inaccurate or misleading content relating to the virus or to public policy on it.
Ofcom’s statement continued; “The programme on Uckfield FM also included statements which suggested to listeners that they were being misled by information about the virus.
“Uckfield Community Radio, the licensee for the station, has apologised for the incident. It said it had taken ‘immediate action’ following contact from Ofcom, and that references to the interview on the station’s social media channels had also been removed.
“Given the seriousness of this breach of the broadcasting rules, we required the station to broadcast a summary of our findings to its listeners.”