This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes has welcomed the launch of GB News as a “shake up” of the TV news landscape.
The new network, chaired by veteran broadcaster and former BBC political interviewer Andrew Neil, began broadcasting on Sunday with a programme introducing its presenting line-up.
It is a new player on the TV news scene, which is currently dominated by Sky News and BBC News.
Holmes tweeted: “I hope GBNEWS gets a decent chance …. we need a shake up on the news front. May it keep all the other news providers on their toes.
“I have huge respect for TV news but this is a reminder that news is not just Westminster or a constant woke agenda.”
Former Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among the guests on Dan Wootton’s show and shared a photo from the GB News studio.
He tweeted: “Pleased to be at the @GBNEWS launch. Catch me on @danwootton’s brand new show later.”
Tom Harwood, who left politics website Guido Fawkes to join GB News, praised Neil’s opening monologue in which he attacked “cancel culture”, writing: “What. A. Speech!”
Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson said the network was “off to a great start”.
He added: “Fantastic lineup from across the spectrum, no BS – always great to see @afneil on screen too.”
Alastair Stewart addressed the technical issues that occurred during the launch, including sound sync problems and Neil Oliver’s microphone malfunctioning.
He wrote on Twitter: “None of @GBNEWS existed 6 months ago. All launches have teething problems & we’re sorting them … but the core message is loud & clear.”
Businesswoman and former Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry, one of GB News’ launch hosts, dedicated her appearance to her older sister, who was killed when she fell from a building as a teenager.
She wrote: “Never, ever been as nervous on TV as I was just then. Everything I do, I do in honour of my sister & I know she will be looking down, watching us & super proud.
“History in the making. Thanks to everyone for your support. Much appreciated. Onwards & upwards.”