Complaint
This edition of the weekly satirical programme was hosted by the 麻豆社 News presenter Clive Myrie. A viewer complained the episode was biased against the Conservatives and failed to meet the 麻豆社鈥檚 impartiality obligations.
Outcome
The ECU noted only around 5 minutes of the show focused specifically on the Conservative Party and considered the references had a legitimate foundation, as they were based on current issues. The 麻豆社鈥檚 Editorial Guidelines make clear the requirement for impartiality will vary according to the nature of the output and, for a show of this type, needs to be considered across a series, not a single episode. In this case the programme at other times heavily targeted the Labour Party, notably during the week of their party conference in October. Whilst the impartiality guidelines apply more stringently to 麻豆社 news presenters than to other hosts, the ECU considered audiences were generally able to recognise that hosting Have I Got News For You was a performance in keeping with the spirit of the show, rather than a reflection of the presenter鈥檚 own political persuasions.
Not Upheld