GB News axes homophobic show

GB News has cancelled a news discussion show, after Good Law Project put pressure on the channel over a homophobic broadcast

In January, one of the presenters on the show Headliners repeated a dangerous lie linking LGBTQ+ people to paedophilia. More than 70,000 people took action and complained to the media regulator Ofcom, which launched an investigation.

At first GB News doubled down, claiming the channel was defending “free speech” on a “comedy show”. But the channel has now folded – even though the regulator is still investigating – taking Headliners off air. That’s one less platform for homophobic lies.

The broadcaster insists it has canned the show because of low ratings. But we can all join the dots.

Now Ofcom needs to finish its investigation and recognise the broadcast for what it was: homophobic, transphobic and against the law.

Agustina Oliveri, head of campaigns and communications at Good Law Project, welcomed the end of a programme that “wasn’t just openly homophobic, but constantly laughed at the expense of minorities”.

“You don’t need to spew hatred to be funny,” Oliveri said, “and viewers have clearly shown they agree with that.”