GB News ratings crash further as channel’s viewing figures remain behind BBC and Sky

Alastair Stewart and Kirsty Gallacher are among the presenters on GB News (Picture: Rex/GB News)

GB News has seen its viewing figures decline even further since its launch, with the channel’s ratings continuing to trail behind the BBC and Sky.

When GB News launched on June 13, there was a lot of chatter concerning how the first new UK news channel to be launched in 30 years would fare against tough competition.

Viewers were curious to watch veteran news presenters including Simon McCoy, Kirsty Gallacher and Alastair Stewart take up their new posts on Andrew Neil’s channel.

However, according to viewing figures, GB News has seen a significant decline in its viewing figures over the past couple of weeks.

Broadcast Now reported that for the week of July 5, the fourth full week that GB News was on air, the channel averaged 28,000/0.2% between the hours of 6pm and midnight.

The previous week, the channel had 32,000/0.2% for the same six-hour period, marking a 13% decrease, the publication said.

GB News released a group shot with its line-up of presenters to mark its launch (Picture: GB News)

While Sky News also saw a decline of 8% in the same time period, averaging 52,000/0.3% while the Euro 2020 tournament was on, this figure was still a great deal higher than GB News.

BBC News, on the other hand, also saw a decline of 10%, but averaged 124,000/0.8% with its ratings.

During its first week on air, GB News is said to have averaged 70,000/0.5% with its viewing figures from 6pm to midnight, a figure that has since more than halved.

It recently emerged that Ofcom will not be conducting an investigation after receiving 390 complaints over comments Dan Wootton made on GB News about lockdown restrictions.

During the debut of his eponymous segment Tonight Live With Dan Wootton, the journalist criticised Boris Johnson for delaying the so-called ‘Freedom Day’, stating that in his opinion, ‘lockdowns are a crude measure’.

More: GB News

In response to the complaints, an Ofcom spokesperson said: ‘Our rules allow for rigorous debate around the response to coronavirus, which is consistent with the right to free expression.

‘In our view, this programme included a range of different viewpoints, including on the merits and effectiveness of lockdown restrictions, and guests were able to challenge views they disagreed with.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : GB News presenter defends taking the knee after facing backlash online

MORE : GB News is now apparently ‘too woke’ after reporter takes the knee