Presenters on ITV shows have been issued with new guidelines by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom after receiving a large amount of complaints.
The action has been taken after it received more than 400 complaints in a day relating to daytime show This Morning.
Complaints came last week after presenter Eamonn Holmes appeared to fuel a conspiracy theory linking 5G and coronavirus.
The host said he "didn't accept" the mainstream media for "slapping down" the claims, adding it "suits state narrative" to deny the allegations during a segment squashing myths around the virus, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The controversial comments followed reports earlier this month that 5G masts were 'set on fire' after coronavirus conspiracy theories circulated online.
In the next day's episode Eamonn, who was presenting alongside his wife Ruth Langsford, tried to clarify his comments.
He said: "I want to clarify some comments that some of you may have misinterpreted from me yesterday... no connection between 5G and coronavirus...
"However, many people are rightly concerned and are looking for answers... no scientific evidence to substantiate 5G theories."
Ofcom said at the time they were assessing the complaints as a "priority" and added that the comments were "ill-judged and risked undermining viewers' trust in advice from public authorities."
However, they will not be investigating further and have instead issued the broadcaster with guidance.
It say: "Ofcom reminds ITV and its presenters that: Unproven claims and theories can be included and discussed in programmes, but if these carry the risk of potential harm to the audience – which they are highly likely to do at such a sensitive time – broadcasters must ensure they provide adequate protection for the audience. This could include, for example, significant challenge or further context.
"Presenters should take particular care and must act responsibly – and take full account of the impact of their role on viewers – when articulating views which could undermine the audience’s trust in any official public health information during a time of national health crisis, such as the Coronavirus pandemic.
"The presenter's role is especially important in a live programme, at a time when ongoing events – such as the attacks on mobile phone masts in the UK in this case – raise risks of significant harm to the public."
The latest message to ITV comes after it was waredn by the broadcasting watchdog that its reliance on a "combative dynamic" could risk one of its shows.
The broadcasting watchdog made its comments towards the network's flagship show Good Morning Britain after show host Piers Morgan attracted more than 1,600 complaints during one episode.
He also accused a government minister of giggling during a heated discussion about coronavirus.
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ITV presenters given strict new guidelines following viewers' complaints - MyLondon
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