State-backed Iranian news channel Press TV has had its licence revoked in Britain for being in breach of broadcasting rules, communications watchdog Ofcom said Friday, dpa reported.
The glossy, English-medium channel would go off the air in Britain Friday. Its presenters have included maverick former left-wing parliamentarian George Galloway and Lauren Booth, the sister-in-law of former prime minister Tony Blair.
It was apparent that "editorial control of the channel rested with Press TV International (based in Tehran)," said an Ofcom statement. That meant the broadcaster was in breach of broadcasting rules, which state the licence holder must have general control of programming.
The station was also fined 100,000 pounds (155,000 dollars) after broadcasting an interview with a journalist which Ofcom said was "obtained under duress."
Press TV had "indicated it is unwilling and unable to pay" the fine.
In a letter published earlier this month, the channel's chief executive, Mohammad Sarafraz, said Ofcom was part of "a desperate effort to silence an alternative voice in the UK."
The channel, which is funded by the Iranian government, says on its website that it has a vision of "Heeding the often neglected voices and perspectives of a great portion of the world."