Television Licence Evasion

Lord Foster of Bath Excerpts
Tuesday 26th January 2021

(3 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Fowler Portrait The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)
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I call the noble and learned Lord, Lord Morris of Aberavon. Lord Morris? No, he is not here. I call the noble Lord, Lord Foster of Bath.

Lord Foster of Bath Portrait Lord Foster of Bath (LD) [V]
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My Lords, over the last few months the Rupert Murdoch-owned radio station talkRADIO has been using its broadcasting licence to wage war against the BBC licence fee and its collection. Last week saw a particularly egregious example, which was blatant and inaccurate propaganda, designed to pursue commercial self-interest. Does the Minister agree that if it is to maintain its reputation as the guardian of impartiality and accuracy in broadcasting, Ofcom should investigate and act?

Baroness Barran Portrait Baroness Barran (Con)
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The noble Lord is right that it is absolutely Ofcom’s responsibility to address issues such as the one he has just raised.