Britain's broadcasting watchdog today opened seven impartiality probes concerning Russia's RT news channel, noting "a significant increase" in programmes warranting investigation since the poisoning of a former Russian spy in March.
"Ofcom has today opened seven new investigations into the due impartiality of news and current affairs programmes on the RT news channel," the regulator said in a statement.
Ofcom said that TV Novosti, the holder of RT's UK broadcast licences, which is financed from the budget of the Russian Federation, had an overall compliance record not "materially out of line with other broadcasters."
"The previous cases in which we have determined that a licensee is not fit and proper to hold a licence have involved the broadcast of hardcore pornography, which represents a serious risk to children, and the broadcast of material likely to incite terrorist crimes."
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