Ofcom urged to review Russia Today (RT) in UK over propaganda claims

UK media regulator, Ofcom has been urged to review the output of broadcaster Russia Today (RT) amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said, “It is essential that the UK looks to limit Russia’s ability to spread their propaganda at home.”

She added, “The Russian Government is conducting an aggressive set of information operations against Ukraine and NATO in a transparent and shameful attempt to justify their renewed military action against Ukraine.”

Dorries recognised the independence of the watchdog.

Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said, “Recognising the serious nature of the crisis in Ukraine, we have been keeping the situation under close review and have already stepped up our oversight of coverage of these events by broadcasters in the UK.

“We are expediting complaints in this area as a matter of urgency and we will not hesitate to take swift action where necessary. I am confident that we have the full range of enforcement tools at our disposal and our track record shows that when we find a breach of our rules, we can and do take action.”

Previously, RT has been fined £200,000 for a breach of impartiality rules in its reporting of the Salisbury poisonings and the conflict in Syria.