GB News: Defying Labels, Courting Controversy, and Building Clout

[Social Media]

 

Angelos Frangopoulos, the chief executive of GB News, resists attempts to label the TV channel as "right of centre," instead emphasizing its commitment to values and serving its audience. Since its launch on June 13, 2021, GB News has weathered challenges ranging from technical glitches and advertising hesitancy to high-profile departures. Yet, with the financial support of hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshall and the Legatum Institute think tank, the channel has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in British broadcasting.  

 

 

Critics were quick to dismiss GB News in its early days, but it has since carved out a significant niche. While Sky News continues to dominate with a monthly reach of approximately 8 million viewers compared to GB News’s 3.5 million, December 2023 figures reveal GB News attracting an average of 66,000 live viewers, narrowly surpassing Sky News’s 63,500. This growth underscores its impact on viewers and the political landscape alike.  

 

 

The channel's programming often draws scrutiny, with some accusing it of disproportionately focusing on polarizing figures and topics. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and a GB News host, has become a focal point of discussion. Reports suggest that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concerns over Farage’s airtime, though Frangopoulos remains firm that his presence will not be reduced. In fact, GB News has set its sights on adding more high-profile contributors, including Boris Johnson. Announced as a “presenter, programme maker and commentator” in late 2023, the former prime minister has so far made limited appearances. “We’ll see how that evolves,” Frangopoulos notes, hinting at more to come.  

 

Despite its growing viewership, GB News continues to grapple with reputational and regulatory challenges. The Centre for Media Monitoring, operated by the Muslim Council of Britain, recently criticized the channel for what it called an “excessive” and negative focus on Muslims.

 

Frangopoulos dismissed the report as “defamatory and purely politically motivated.” Additionally, GB News faces scrutiny from broadcast regulator Ofcom, which has found the channel in breach of its rules on 12 occasions, with more than half related to a lack of due impartiality. Frangopoulos acknowledges past mistakes but insists, “Where we’ve made mistakes, we’ve owned up to them and we’ve learnt from them.”  

 

While some advertisers remain hesitant, Frangopoulos believes GB News resonates with its audience because of its focus on issues that matter most to everyday people. “People don’t wake up in the morning and think about the woke world,” he argues. “They think about the cost of living. Do they feel safe? The state of policing. Taxation. The heating bill. All this stuff. And that’s ultimately what journalism is about — serving people and bringing light to darkness.”  

 

As GB News continues to chart its course, it remains a polarizing yet influential player in British media, one that critics and competitors cannot afford to ignore.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-01-14

 

 

[jippytum]

Did you notice the Centre for media monitoring in the UK is run by the Muslim Council of Britain. 

Really.... we bend over backwards in the UK to give a voice and Authority to toxic religions that preach hate. while muslim gangs nationwide  sexually assault our young children. 

[JonnyF]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Despite its growing viewership, GB News continues to grapple with reputational and regulatory challenges. The Centre for Media Monitoring, operated by the Muslim Council of Britain, recently criticized the channel for what it called an “excessive” and negative focus on Muslims.

 

What a surprise they would reach such a conclusion 😄.

 

Maybe they could take the bosses of GBNews to one of the many Sharia courts that have been set up in the UK?

[Snackbar]

Average Britain

[Yagoda]

15 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

What a surprise they would reach such a conclusion 😄.

 

Maybe they could take the bosses of GBNews to one of the many Sharia courts that have been set up in the UK?

Is this station the new "Fox news"? How are their ratings? As you know, Fox beats all the the propaganda arms of the Democrat party  combined.

[BritManToo]

So there's a Greek guy running the British rightwing news that wants to keep immigrants out. Has the world gone mad?

[roquefort]

42 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So there's a Greek guy running the British rightwing news that wants to keep immigrants out. Has the world gone mad?

The guy with a Greek name (who may or may not be Greek, have you seen his passport?) is running a news outlet that opposes ILLEGAL immigration and is in favour of a cap on the number of legal migrants to the UK. Perfectly sensible positions which the majority of the British public agree with.