London: The UK on Friday revoked the broadcasting license of Russian-backed propaganda network RT over current affairs coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to regulator Ofcom, “RT is funded by the Russian state, which has recently invaded a neighbouring sovereign country.
“We also note new laws in Russia which effectively criminalise any independent journalism that departs from the Russian state’s own news narrative, in particular in relation to the invasion of Ukraine. “We consider that given these constraints it appears impossible for RT to comply with the due impartiality rules of our Broadcasting Code in the circumstances.”
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive, said, “Freedom of expression is something we guard fiercely in this country, and the bar for action on broadcasters is rightly set very high.
“Following an independent regulatory process, we have today found that RT is not fit and proper to hold a licence in the UK. As a result we have revoked RT’s UK broadcasting license.” RT was taken off air in the UK two weeks ago after the country and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia after invading Ukraine.Â
