Ofcom raps ARY News for biased political message

ARY News has been pulled up by Ofcom for broadcasting a biased political message during various times in August 2014.

A complainant drew Ofcom�۪s attention to what he considered to be an advertisement placed on ARY News by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf ��� a political party in Pakistan ��� in breach of the ban on political advertising contained within the Communications Act 2003.

ARY confirmed that the item had been broadcast on 55 occasions over the five days, 1 to 5 August 2014, and apologised ���for the human error that led to this promotion…�۝. The Licensee said the item had been ���assessed as information of interest to the UK Pakistani community with solicitations that were considered relevant to Pakistan only�۝. ARY said this was a mistake and it appreciated ���that repeat broadcast was giving airtime to Imran Khan�۪s cause�۝. The Licensee added that it understood how serious this was and said it had ���introduced a stricter approvals process for promotions to ensure they are properly assessed to check they qualify as promotions in terms of what they contain and how they are scheduled…�۝

Ofcom considered the item�۪s compliance with Rules 5.5 and 9.2 of the Code. Ofcom said it is important that broadcasters maintain due impartiality and do not use their licensed service as a platform to broadcast inherently partial items on matters of major political controversy and major matters relating to current public policy. Ofcom notes that ARY has commissioned a programme of staff training. Ofcom said it expected the Licensee to improve its compliance in this area.