Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £150,000 on Word Network Operating Company Inc. (“the Licensee”), in relation to its service The Word Network, for failing to comply with our broadcasting rules.
Between 6 and 12 December 2023, the Licensee broadcast four episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries, a religious programme presented by Peter Popoff. Ofcom found that the programmes contained potentially harmful claims that by contacting the presenter’s ministry, or by ordering its “Miracle Spring Water”, viewers could improve serious health conditions or financial difficulties. Ofcom was particularly concerned that the programmes included repeated statements and testimonials about the efficacy of the water, claiming or strongly implying the water cured serious illnesses, including cancer.
While having regard to the broadcaster’s and audience’s rights to freedom of expression and religion, we considered the claims that contacting the ministry, or using its “Miracle Spring Water” were effective ways to improve serious medical illnesses or financial difficulties improperly exploited the susceptibilities of viewers and had the potential to cause harm without the Licensee providing adequate protection.
Our Decision published on 7 May 2024 found these programmes in breach of Rules 2.1, 4.6 and 9.4 of the Broadcasting Code.
This was the second time that episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries broadcast on The Word Network were found in breach of the Code. In December 2023, Ofcom found two episodes of the programme, which were broadcast in May 2023 and which promoted, and contained similar claims about the efficacy of, “Miracle Spring Water”, in breach of the same rules. This case resulted in Ofcom imposing a financial penalty of £150,000 on the Licensee.
Given the serious and repeated nature of the breaches, Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £150,000 on the Licensee.