GB News to launch on Bank Holiday Monday?

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 7h

GB News could reportedly be on air as soon as May 31, although the broadcaster denies that a final decision has been taken.

Highly-anticipated new news channel GB News could be on air as soon as May 31, according to a report.

The new service aims to take on the traditional rolling news channels from Sky and the BBC with an alternative format of debate and opinion-led programming, as well as a particular emphasis on local issues in regions around the UK outside of London.

The channel's launch date has remained vague, although in recent weeks initial test signals have begun on Sky and a placeholder message has launched on Freeview.

According to a report in The Telegraph, the broadcaster plans to launch a promotional video loop on Thursday, May 27 featuring the key faces from its presenting team, including Andrew Neil, Alastair Stewart, Kirsty Gallacher, Simon McCoy and Colin Brazier.

The newspaper says that GB News will then officially launch with live programming the following Monday, May 31 - a Bank Holiday across the UK.

A video posted by GB News on social media several days ago revealed that construction of the broadcasting studio is still ongoing, however, while a comment from a channel spokeswoman suggested that the launch is still some way off.

"The only confirmed dates are related to technical launches," she said. "No date has been decided for the launch of live programming. That decision will not be made for some time, possibly weeks."

GB News has already confirmed its channel slot on Freeview and Freesat but has yet to announce its position on Sky, where it faces being placed at the bottom of the news listing in the EPG unless it is able to purchase a more lucrative slot higher up from another broadcaster.