GB News: Who is the North East reporter, when does it launch, how to watch

Offices and studios at offices in Paddington, west London, for the new British television news channel GB News. The new channel is expected to shake up the TV news landscape this weekend with its launch.

What is GB News?

GB News has been pitched as an alternative news channel to its rivals, offering voices to less mainstream views and providing news for “vast number of British people who feel underserved and unheard” by existing television news channels.

Ex-BBC Andrew Neil announced the new channel in late 2020 and said: “We’ve seen a huge gap in the market for a new form of television news.

Ex-ITV Tyne Tees presenter Rachel Sweeney is the North East reporter for the new GB News channel.

“GB News is the most exciting thing to happen in British television news for more than 20 years.

“We will champion robust, balanced debate and a range of perspectives on the issues that affect everyone in the UK, not just those living in the London area.”

According to the official GB News website, it is “proud to serve and celebrate all the people of the United Kingdom,” by sharing “what's really happening, bringing all of the nation together, all in one place - uniting, not dividing.”

Who are the presenters for GB News?

As well as chairman, Neil will front a primetime evening programme which will include “Wokewatch” and “Mediawatch” segments.

A number of high-profile TV journalists have joined the channel, including:

Kirsty Gallacher - Former Sky Sports presenter.

Gloria De Piero - Journalist turned politician turned journalist, Gloria De Piero worked as political editor for GMTV before becoming a Labour MP in 2010 until 2019 when she stepped away from politcs and back to the media working for Times Radio.

Dan Wootton - Former The Sun’s executive editor and Talkradio presenter. He will front a nightly GB show “Tonight Live with Dan Wootton.”

Simon McCoy - Former BBC News and Sky News presenter.

Colin Brazier - Sky News frontman of 23 years.

Alastair Stewart - ITV news anchor for over 40 years.

Alex Philips - Former Brexit MEP and Talkradio presenter.

Michelle Dewberry - Former Apprentice winner who stood for the Brexit Party,

While there has been rumour of Piers Morgan joining GB News, neither GB News or Morgan have confirmed he is to join the channel.

Who is the North East GB News reporter?

The North East GB News reporter is former GMB Breakfast Presenter for ITV Tyne Tees and Border Rachel Sweeney who had worked for ITV Tyne Tees for 13 years.

She has been excitedly tweeting about the channel ahead of the launch and has said she feels the North East has 'a lot to shout about', and she will be 'putting the north on the map'.

Who is funding GB News?

The channel has been largely funded by US channel Discovery, The remainder is from Dubai-based investment firm Legatum and hedge fund manager Sir Paul Marshall.

When will GB News launch?

GB News will go live on Sunday 13 June at 8pm with a special ‘Welcome to GB News’ show.

How do I watch GB News?

GB News will be available to watch from 13 June on Freeview 236, Sky HD 515, Virgin Media HD 626, YouView 236, Freesat HD 216 and online on the GB News website.

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