The Word fined after “reckless” breach of programme rules
December 9, 2025 11.57 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Ofcom has fined Christian channel The Word Network £375,000 (€430,000) after a series of programmes promoted unlicensed products and faith-based remedies as treatments for serious illnesses and financial problems.

The regulator said investigations into teleshopping show Stem Cell Activators and multiple episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries found “unsubstantiated claims” that certain products – or contacting the ministry – could cure serious medical conditions or alleviate money worries. Ofcom concluded that the channel failed to adequately protect viewers from harm.

The fine is made up of £50,000 for Stem Cell Activators, £150,000 for Peter Popoff Ministries episodes broadcast in December 2023, and £175,000 for a further episode shown in May 2024. The money will be passed to HM Treasury.

The ruling follows an earlier £150,000 (€170,000) penalty in March 2025 for two Peter Popoff Ministries programmes on The Word Network that promoted “Miracle Spring Water” as a way to improve serious health conditions and finances – a case previously reported by Broadband TV News.

Regulators have again highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable audiences and the promotion of products within religious programming, underlining that repeated and, in this latest case, “reckless” breaches will attract escalating financial penalties.