Now GB News takes on radio too: New network reveals plans for national service days before launch of television channel challenging BBC and Sky News
- The TV channel will launch on Sunday amid much anticipation and interest
- Veteran journalist Andrew Neil has a primetime news and interview programme
- In evening line-up MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton will present his own show
GB News has today announced plans to launch a national radio service as early as next month – just days before its channel starts on Sunday.
The new network, chaired by political interviewer Andrew Neil, said it was in the final stages of completing a ‘long-term deal to secure spectrum on the Digital One national multiplex’.
The proposed deal with telecommunications company Arqiva would allow GB News Radio to reach 91% of households across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it said.
The news comes two days before GB News launches its television and digital service, at 8pm on Sunday.
GB News bosses have already requested regulatory approval from media watchdog Ofcom.
The new British television news channel GB News will launch at 8pm on June 13 with a special programme called Welcome To GB News. Left: GB News presenter Andrew Neil. Right: Michelle Dewberry
Economist Liam Halligan, former Labour MP Gloria De Piero, Mercy Muroki and Colin Brazier seen for first time in the studio
Chief executive officer Angelos Frangopoulos said: ‘GB News is a digital start-up designed to bring greater plurality of voices to UK media so we’re passionate about delivering our programmes on every platform we can, including live DAB digital radio.’
He added: ‘It’s a considerable challenge to expand into radio so quickly but this opportunity is too great to miss. It means we can serve more people by giving them the choice to tune in to us anywhere, any time.
‘It was a highly competitive selection process so we’re really delighted.
‘We look forward to partnering again with Arqiva, who already take care of our terrestrial and satellite television signals as well as our fibre connectivity.’
The GB News channel launches on June 13 with a special programme at 8pm titled Welcome To GB News.
Left: GB News presenter Dan Wootton. Right: Simon McCoy
It has signed up a roster of high-profile talent, including ex-BBC presenter Simon McCoy, MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton and ex-Sky broadcaster Colin Brazier.
Launched as a rival to the news and current affairs offerings on the likes of BBC and Sky, it will be available to watch in HD on Sky channel 515 and Virgin Media’s channel 626, as well as also showing on Freeview and YouView channel 236, Freesat channel 216 and online.
On Thursday GB News’ key presenters were pictured in futuristic behind the scenes pictures of the studio ahead of the new channel launching this weekend.
Other names to feature on air include former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, Darren McCaffrey and Rosie Wright, who will host morning show The Great British Breakfast, while also working on other programmes.
It will be available to watch in HD on Sky channel 515 and Virgin Media’s channel 626, as well as also showing on Freeview and YouView channel 236, Freesat channel 216 and online.
The news channel, launched as a rival to the news and current affairs offerings on the likes of BBC and Sky, has also signed up businesswoman and former Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry.
Broadcaster and author Neil Oliver, known for programmes includi ng Coast and A History Of Ancient Britain, will host Neil Oliver Live, while Andrew Doyle will host Free Speech Nation.
Former ITV presenter Alastair Stewart will anchor Alastair Stewart And Friends, featuring conversation and analysis of current affairs.economist