So are we going to ban Sky News too, for having a right wing editorial stance?
I'm no fan on C4 news and their broadly left output. But to threaten their existence because they do something you don't like is utterly ridiculous and attacks one of the basic tenants of our democracy - free press. It's also stupidly short term. If the Tories do this do C4 now, when Labour get back in (be it three weeks or 15 years) they will have freedom to do the same to Sky, or The Mail and the Tories couldn't complain.
What is your evidence that Sky News has a right wing stance?
You are getting confused. There is a difference between the rules governing the press, and those governing broadcasting which comes under Ofcom's remit. Here are the rules that Sky sets out for itself. Channel 4 News should have something similar, since they too fall under Ofcom. If they breach the terms, they lose their licence:
"Sky News must always be duly impartial and duly accurate. We always strive to solicit a broad range of views and voices on our stories and never to show favour to – or be influenced by – any side of a story.
The Communications Act and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code set out special impartiality requirements for coverage of matters relating to political or industrial controversy or matters relating to public policy. The rules include:
— Not allowing our personal views or opinions to form a part of our coverage
—Making sure views and facts are not misrepresented
—Making sure all significant opinion is duly reflected on any controversial issues
—Making sure any personal interest of a reporter or presenter is made clear to viewers- they must not use their position to express their own views
—Members of staff have a duty to disclose to senior management any personal interest which may potentially jeopardise their duty to report with due impartiality
—Making sure particular views and opinions are not given undue prominence over others. We should also make sure that the personal views and interests of those we invite to contribute are established and made clear to the viewer if it would be misleading not to do so. If we are not certain of a guest’s views we should ask them before allowing them on any of our platforms.
When using video or still images of people in the news it is crucial that we do not make mistakes. We should NEVER use pictures from an online news source without double checking they are correct. Particular caution is required with people who are relatively unknown. If there is even the smallest doubt about the identity of the person featured then the material should not be passed on. Once it is in the system mistakes become much more likely. The consequences of such mistakes are extremely serious from a reputational and financial perspective."
