The former BBC host is the chairman of the new channel which has secured £60million in funding and will look to present a 24-hour television service to compete with other news channels in the country. Launching the channel today, Mr Neil declared the British public is “crying” out for a more representative broadcaster. GB News will also recruit more than 100 journalists, while the former BBC man will also host a primetime programme on the channel.
Mr Neil said: “We are thrilled to have such a broad range of high-calibre investors who share our belief that many British people are crying out for a news service that is more diverse and more representative of their values and concerns.
“GB News is a massive undertaking in a fiercely competitive market but we’re confident there’s an appetite for a fresh approach to news in Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”
The funding for the channel is supported by Dubai-based investment group, Legatum, Sir Paul Marshall, and Discovery Inc.
The channel also declared it expects to reach 96 percent of British television households through Sky, Virgin Media, YouView, Freeview and Freesat.
Mr Neil left the BBC in September after 25 years with the broadcaster.
His departure came in the same year as the BBC announced hundreds of job cuts.
In early July last year, the broadcaster announced it would cut 450 roles in its regional programmes in England.
These were paused for a time due to the pandemic but a further 70 jobs were announced to be cut across the news channel.
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Mr Sharp had served as an unpaid adviser to Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
It is thought he will take up the role next month and will attempt to navigate the broadcaster’s future amid a time of increased competition.
The broadcaster has also come under scrutiny for how some members of the broadcaster use their social media platforms.
Reports had also emerged that the Government may force the broadcaster to scrap the licence in favour of a subscription fee.
Commenting on the launch of GB News chief executive of the channel, Angelos Frangopoulos, stated now is the ideal time to launch the channel.
He said: “This is a significant investment in British journalism at a time when it’s needed most.
