Free speech, or maybe not

I hope the following is self-explanatory. It's an email sent today to the Chief Executive of OFCOM.

 Dear Ms White,

It wasn't my original intention to write to you directly, but the dearth of e-mail addresses on the OFCOM website has made it difficult to contact OFCOM by any other e-mail address. As a by-the-by, you may wish to consider the possibility that people might wish to write to OFCOM whilst not making a complaint - that appears to be the only kind of correspondence your website encourages.

I am writing regarding the OFCOM investigation into RT. Since this was announced, I have taken the trouble to watch RT to see what all the fuss is about. I have to say, I think it is much over-egged, possibly for political reasons. I note that the OFCOM investigation was launched after comments by the Prime Minister. She of course has no axe to grind regarding anything Russian.

I wouldn't, fresh from my experience watching RT say that it wasn't without its own perspective, but there seemed to me nothing that merits withdrawal of its broadcast licence, or even for that matter any other sanction. Indeed, it is refreshing to find views which do not necessarily ape those of the UK's mainstream media, or the UK government line, which is I am sure what the PM would wish for.

Under Paragraph 7 (b) of Annex 1 of OFCOM's statutory framework (at  https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/113043/rt-investigations.pdf) there is reference to my right to receive information and ideas without interference. It seems to me that I can obtain these from UK mainstream media and other broadcasters without coming to harm, even if the Prime Minister thinks that I as a UK citizen may succumb to foreign 'propaganda.' It is my choice that necessarily complements the meaning of the term 'freedom of expression.'

I would like my views to be taken into account in your investigation into RT and I would appreciate an acknowledgement that such will be the case.

With best wishes

Colin Challen