TV watchdog Ofcom has cleared Piers Morgan of "combative presenting", in the wake of over 3000 complaints.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers received over 2000 complaints for a 15 April interview with MP and Health and Social Care Minister, Helen Whately.
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A second interview on 22 April has now received over 1200 complaints, with a further 600 made following an interview with Health Secretary, Matt Hancock.
Earlier this month ITV was warned over Piers' style of presenting after the early morning news programme narrowly avoided an Ofcom investigation.
Now, in a statement given, Ofcom has said: "His guests were given adequate opportunity to put their points across and counter the presenter's criticisms.
"In Ofcom's view, in line with freedom of expression, it is clearly in the public interest that broadcasters are able to hold those making political decisions to account, particularly during a major national crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic."
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At the time of the warning, an Ofcom spokesman said: “We remind ITV that there are compliance risks in relying on a ‘combative dynamic’ between presenters as a way to provide challenge and context for the broadcast of content which may cause offence.
“This approach can provide significant context, as in this case. However, depending on the particular circumstances, this may not always provide sufficient context to comply with the code.”
The 55-year-old media personality came under fire after an explosive row with the care minister as she tried to defend why so few people in care homes had been tested amid reports thousands of patients have already died.
But some viewers complained Piers was “bullying” her, while others insisted the presenter was doing his job and holding the minister “to account”.
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Piers later tweeted: "Apparently nearly 2000 people have now complained to @Ofcom about me grilling Care minister Helen Whateley too 'unfairly' when she couldn't answer even basic questions.
"If you think I should continue grilling ministers in the way I've been doing, please tell @OFCOM. Thanks."
But in a rare public response, Ofcom asked Piers to refrain from sending his followers their way as the watchdog struggled to cope with being bombarded.
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They wrote: "Dear Piers, We’re usually happy with you keeping us busy. But right now we’re struggling to keep up after you asked your followers to contact us.
"This means we may fail to help the people that need us most – such as the vulnerable or elderly.
"So could you please help us out and go easy on the mentions? Any help appreciated."
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April 28, 2020 at 06:11AM
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Piers Morgan cleared of ‘combative presenting’ by Ofcom in wake of nearly 4000 complaints - The Sun
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