Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Press TV, the English language arm of Iran's state broadcaster, was taken off air yesterday after Ofcom revoked its licence.
The television watchdog said it was forced to act because the Iranian news network was editorially controlled by Tehran but held a licence saying it was based in Britain.
Ofcom had been investigating the news channel over an interview it aired with Maziar Bahari, a Newsweek journalist who was detained by the Iranian authorities during the 2009 presidential election protests. Mr Bahari filed a complaint when he returned to Britain saying the interview was conducted under duress. Ofcom found in his favour and fined Press TV £100,000 which they refused to pay.
During the investigation it emerged that Press TV had the wrong broadcasting licence. Ofcom said that the licence was held by London-based Press TV Ltd but editorial decisions were being made by Press TV International, which is based in Tehran.
Insiders told The Independent that the TV network could have easily complied with regulations by either moving editorial control to Britain or applying for a new licence as a foreign broadcaster. But Ofcom received no replies and decided yesterday to switch the channel off.
Yvonne Ridley, a British journalist who presents two shows with Press TV, said it was a "sad day for British journalism". "People have to remember that while Press TV was state funded it was not state controlled," she said. "It has been a thorn in the side of Western nations, particularly Britain and America.".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments