Religious Channel Penalized After Repeated Breaches of Broadcasting Rules

Key Takeaways

• £375,000 Fine Ofcom penalized The Word Network for repeated breaches involving misleading health and financial claims.
• Evidence-Free Promises Programmes promoted unlicensed products and “miracle-money” breakthroughs without credible support.
• Risk to Vulnerable Viewers The regulator said the channel failed to protect audiences who may act on false hope.
• Regulatory Line Drawn Ofcom labeled the conduct “serious” and “reckless,” signaling tighter enforcement on harmful broadcast claims.

Deep Dive

A religious channel that told viewers unlicensed products and prayerful outreach could fix everything from chronic illness to financial distress has been handed a £375,000 penalty by Ofcom. The regulator confirmed on 9 December 2025 that The Word Network repeatedly breached broadcasting rules, and in some cases did so even after earlier investigations had put the channel on notice.

The findings stemmed from viewer complaints and Ofcom’s own monitoring, which flagged two recurring themes: lofty promises and no credible evidence behind them. One program, Stem Cell Activators, broadcast on 24 July 2023, featured what regulators called unsubstantiated claims that certain unlicensed products could treat serious medical conditions. Viewers were encouraged to buy into the pitch.

Then came the cycles of Peter Popoff Ministries broadcasts, aired 6 December 2023 (and repeated on 8 December), 7 December, 11 December, 12 December, and again on 24 May 2024. These shows promoted the idea that contacting the ministry or using particular products could magically deliver physical healing or financial breakthrough.

Ofcom said The Word Network failed to protect viewers from harm, especially those who may be desperate enough to believe such promises. And the regulator’s patience had clearly worn thin.

Calling the breaches “serious” and in some cases “repeated and reckless,” Ofcom broke down the financial hit as follows:

• £50,000 for the Stem Cell Activators episode
• £150,000 for the Popoff programmes in December 2023
• £175,000 for the Popoff broadcast in May 2024

The funds collected will go to HM Treasury.

For Ofcom, broadcasters can’t cash in on miracle cures and quick-money salvation, especially when science and reality don’t agree.

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