A U.S. communications regulator is examining whether a documentary program violated broadcasting standards through its editing of a political address. The inquiry focuses on how clips from the speech were combined, which critics argue presented the speaker’s statements out of sequence.
The regulator’s chair, who has previously expressed concerns about media bias, has contacted several broadcasters, including the British network that produced the program. The letters seek to determine whether the edited material was ever distributed or aired within the United States, a factor that could influence any potential legal proceedings.
The program in question, which aired internationally, spliced segments from a speech delivered in January 2021. The edit created the impression that certain phrases were delivered consecutively, when in fact they were separated by a significant interval. An external adviser later raised concerns about the edit in an internal memo.
The political figure whose speech was featured has publicly threatened legal action against the broadcaster, alleging defamation and seeking substantial damages. The broadcaster has apologized for the editing but has stated it intends to contest the claims. Legal analysts note that jurisdiction and whether the program was viewed in the relevant U.S. state could be pivotal issues in any lawsuit.
The broadcaster confirmed it had received the regulatory inquiry but declined further comment. The regulator itself lacks direct authority over the foreign broadcaster but is seeking information from its domestic partners.