MPs to question Ofcom chiefs on broadcasting standards and online safety
October 19, 2026 11.58 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Ofcom’s leadership will face questions on broadcasting impartiality, online safety and the impact of AI at a parliamentary hearing on October 20.

Chair Sir Ian Cheshire and Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes will appear before the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee as MPs examine the regulator’s work.

The session is expected to cover the regulator’s enforcement of broadcasting standards and its role in maintaining public confidence in impartiality on television and radio.

MPs may also examine the government’s proposals to give trustworthy news sources greater prominence on social media, alongside the regulator’s approach to protecting participants and crew involved in reality television.

Online safety will be another focus, including implementation and enforcement of the Online Safety Act and whether the regulatory framework can keep pace with AI and other emerging technologies.

The committee said witnesses could be asked about Ofcom’s preparations for the government’s proposed social media ban for under-16s. Other potential subjects include media literacy and telecommunications regulation.

The evidence session begins at 10am on Tuesday, October 20, in Committee Room 16 at the Palace of Westminster and will be streamed on Parliamentlive.tv.