A significant shift in Britain’s media landscape has been confirmed as GB News officially surpassed the BBC to become the nation’s most-watched television news channel during key viewing slots in July. This unprecedented achievement marks a pivotal moment in UK broadcasting, challenging the long-standing dominance of established broadcasters and signalling a new era for news consumption across the country.

New figures reveal that GB News not only outperformed the BBC but also eclipsed Sky News in terms of viewership during critical periods last month. This historic milestone signifies the first instance that GB News has maintained higher viewing figures than BBC News for an entire month, a testament to its growing audience engagement and strategic programming. The channel’s success spanned across various segments, including its breakfast show, primetime weekday evenings from 6 pm to 11 pm, and the popular Sunday morning political slot, showcasing its broad appeal.

Established as the first new entrant into the UK’s competitive media sector in over three decades, GB News has rapidly expanded its footprint since its inception four years ago. Beyond its television presence, the broadcaster has successfully ventured into becoming a national radio network, further diversifying its reach and solidifying its position within the British media ecosystem. This growth reflects a responsive strategy to evolving audience demands and a commitment to providing alternative perspectives.

Ben Briscoe, the Head of Programming at GB News, articulated the profound impact of this achievement, describing it as a “seismic moment” not only for the channel but for the entirety of British broadcasting. He also hinted at future expansions, including the highly anticipated launch of a new program originating from Washington DC in September, aiming to broaden its international coverage and attract an even wider global audience, demonstrating ambitious plans for continued growth.

This ascendancy occurs amidst broader industry trends, with recent data from the watchdog Ofcom indicating a four percent decrease in the time people spend watching traditional broadcast television in 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline underscores a larger shift in media consumption habits, suggesting that viewers are increasingly seeking out alternative news sources and platforms that resonate more with their preferences, contributing to the rise of channels like GB News.

The journey of GB News has not been without its challenges, including past encounters with regulatory bodies. In a notable development earlier this year, the channel secured a High Court victory against Ofcom following a ruling that it had breached impartiality rules during a program hosted by Jacob Rees-Mogg. This legal win highlights the complex regulatory environment in which new broadcasters operate and their efforts to navigate and challenge established norms.

Furthermore, in 2023, GB News faced public scrutiny and initiated an internal investigation after receiving approximately 7,300 complaints concerning remarks made by former host Laurence Fox about a female journalist. While Fox later apologized for his comments, this incident underscored the ongoing debates surrounding media accountability and journalistic ethics, prompting the channel to address internal standards and public concerns transparently.

The triumph of GB News in viewership figures represents more than just a ratings success; it signifies a dynamic transformation within the UK’s news landscape. This shift prompts important questions about audience preferences, the impact of diverse editorial approaches, and the future direction of British media. As traditional viewing habits evolve, the ascendancy of new players like GB News signals a potential reordering of influence and trust in the rapidly changing world of information dissemination.