Complaint
This edition of the weekly satirical programme was hosted by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News presenter Clive Myrie. Β A viewer complained the episode was biased against the Conservatives and failed to meet the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s 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. Β The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s 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. Β In this case the programme at other times heavily targeted the Labour Party, notably during the week of their party conference in October. Β Whilst the impartiality guidelines apply more stringently to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 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’s own political persuasions.
Not Upheld