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Press TV could have its licence revoked

October 19, 2011 10:49
Censured: MP Jeremy Corbyn

By

Jessica Elgot,

Jessica Elgot

1 min read

The Iranian-backed channel, Press TV, has launched a series of bizarre tirades over threats to its broadcasting licence, railing against "members of the royal family and government" for lobbying Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog.

Press TV reported that it was to be taken off air in the UK next week, which Ofcom has not confirmed.

Ofcom is in fact still considering whether to revoke Press TV's licence, after finding in May that it had broken broadcasting rules by showing a 2009 interview with Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari, detained by the Iranians, which Mr Bahari later said was a forced, scripted confession, under threat of execution.

Ofcom spokesman Rhys Hurd said that no decision had yet been made. But in May, when Ofcom ruled against the channel, it was made clear that punishment could include a ban on broadcasting. Press TV is likely to be allowed to appeal if it is banned.