CHAOS continues at GB News after it emerged the channel attracted zero viewers during some broadcasts this week.
A row began on Tuesday when presenter Guto Harri, a former spokesperson for Boris Johnson during his time as London mayor, took the knee live on air in solidarity with England football team players receiving racial abuse following their loss to Italy.
Bosses at the channel, co-founded by Andrew Neil (below), said the gesture was an “unacceptable” breach of standards. It was unclear whether Harri would continue with GB News after the statement.
The Guardian published audience analysis from Barb showing the channel recorded no measurable audience at all on two occasions on the following day.
Fellow presenter Neil Oliver stood up for his colleague who argued that free speech and expression is the “ethos of the channel”.
The crisis continued this afternoon when The Guardian revealed that its director of programming John McAndrew has resigned.
The executive played a crucial role in getting mainstream figures on board, sources told the newspaper. They added that McAndrew was pressured to move away from local reporting towards culture war topics.
READ MORE: GB News recorded zero viewers as people boycotted the channel
Gill Penlington, a former Sky News and CNN producer, also reportedly left GB News in recent days as anger over the channel’s disastrous launch continues.
Neil, the chairman of the GB News board, is still on a break from the channel. He said he would be taking some time off just two weeks after its launch and would be back before the end of the summer, admitting the right-wing broadcaster had a “rocky start” – it is now weeks since he shared GB news content or even mentioned it.
Meanwhile former ITV presenter Alastair Stewart announced he will be taking a break from GB News after breaking his hip.
The host of Alastair Stewart And Friends said he was knocked over by a horse, adding: “I fear it’ll be a while but I’ll be back!!
“Thanks for kindness & support to all at @GBNews … “
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