Overall, we rate GB News Right Biased and Questionable based on a lack of transparency with ownership and funding, numerous failed fact checks, and the promotion of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience.
Detailed Report
Questionable Reasoning: Conspiracy Theories, Pseudoscience, Propaganda, Lack of Transparency, Failed Fact ChecksBias Rating: RIGHTFactual Reporting: MIXEDCountry: United KingdomMBFC’s Country Freedom Rank:** MOSTLY FREE**Media Type: TV StationTraffic/Popularity: High TrafficMBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY
History
Launched in June 2021, GB News is a conservative-leaning TV News station based in the United Kingdom. They set up the station to compete with News Corp-owned Sky Newsand model the popular USA-based Fox News Channel. The website offers an editorial charter, lacking transparency as they do not disclose their conservative bias. GB News also lacks transparency as they do not indicate ownership.
Upon launching the station, some advertisers such as IKEA pulled ads due to GB News not upholding “humanistic values.” Many other advertisers joined the boycott, which can be seen here.
GB News lacks transparency as they do not disclose ownership. A search reveals that London-based ALL Perspectives Ltd owns GB News. According to Reuters, the television channel “secured millions of dollars from investors such as Discovery Inc, Legatum and hedge fund manager Paul Marshall. Advertising generates revenue.
Analysis / Bias
GB News features significant opinion programming from a right-leaning perspective. Notable commentators are former leader of the conservative United Kingdom Independence Party Nigel Farage, former Brexit Party member Alexandra Phillips and former editor of The Sun newspaper Dan Wooten. The website features news reporting that uses moderately loaded language but is reasonably balanced such as this The Prime Minister admitted he has known about the UK haulage problems for months. This story is sourced correctly through direct quotes, while other stories are sourced through hyperlinks to usually credible sources such as the BBC.
Overall, we rate GB News Right Biased and Questionable based on a lack of transparency with ownership and funding, numerous failed fact checks, and the promotion of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. (D. Van Zandt 10/4/2021) Updated (07/24/2023)