Ofcom investigates 5's Huw Edwards drama after fairness complaint

Ofcom is investigating Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards over a fairness and privacy complaint.

The UK broadcast regulator confirmed the inquiry into the two-part drama, which aired on 5, the Skydance UK-owned network. “We are investigating a fairness and privacy complaint about this programme,” an Ofcom spokeswoman said, as reported by Deadline.

The case centres on the part of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code that covers how people featured in programmes are treated. No finding has been announced.

The series stars Martin Clunes as Huw Edwards and was produced by Wonderhood Studios. It chronicles the story behind the arrest and conviction of Edwards, the former BBC newsreader, according to Variety.

Edwards pleaded guilty in 2024 to making indecent images of children and was given a suspended sentence. He left the BBC after a career of more than 40 years fronting its biggest news bulletins.

The drama has been disputed since before broadcast. Edwards previously said the team behind the 5 production made no attempt to verify its story. He vowed in April to challenge misleading claims in the drama, as reported by The Guardian.

Channel 5 has said Power was based on extensive interviews with the victim and his family as well as court reporting. It said all allegations made in the film were put to Edwards through his solicitors six weeks before transmission. It also said the film was produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

Clunes has spoken about the challenges of taking on the role, in an interview reported by the BBC.

For now, the series remains aired and the complaint remains under review. What happens next sits with Ofcom.