GB News announces plans for national radio service

GB News has announced plans to launch a national radio service as early as next month.

The new network, chaired by political interviewer Andrew Neil, said it was in the final stages of completing a “long-term deal to secure spectrum on the Digital One national multiplex”.

The proposed deal with telecommunications company Arqiva would allow GB News Radio to reach 91% of households across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it said.

The news comes two days before GB News launches its television and digital service, at 8pm on Sunday.

GB News bosses have already requested regulatory approval from media watchdog Ofcom.

Chief executive officer Angelos Frangopoulos said: “GB News is a digital start-up designed to bring greater plurality of voices to UK media so we’re passionate about delivering our programmes on every platform we can, including live DAB digital radio.”

He added: “It’s a considerable challenge to expand into radio so quickly but this opportunity is too great to miss. It means we can serve more people by giving them the choice to tune in to us anywhere, any time.

“It was a highly competitive selection process so we’re really delighted.

“We look forward to partnering again with Arqiva, who already take care of our terrestrial and satellite television signals as well as our fibre connectivity.”

The GB News channel launches on June 13 with a special programme at 8pm titled Welcome To GB News.

It has signed up a roster of high-profile talent, including ex-BBC presenter Simon McCoy, former executive editor for the Sun Dan Wootton and ex-Sky broadcaster Colin Brazier.

Launched as a rival to the news and current affairs offerings on the likes of BBC and Sky, it will be available to watch in HD on Sky channel 515 and Virgin Media’s channel 626, as well as also showing on Freeview and YouView channel 236, Freesat channel 216 and online.