ANDREW NEIL QUITS BBC

Hard-hitting presenter to spearhead rival channel

ANDREW Neil yesterday revealed he is leaving the BBC to spearhead rival GB News.

The announcement follows speculation about the veteran broadcaster’s future after his screen time was slashed by the corporation. He will present the new channel’s flagship evening programme as well as being company chairman.

GB News, which has secured a broadcasting licence for launch in early 2021, expects to reach 96 per cent of households via Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media.

Neil, 71, said: ‘GB News is the most exciting thing to happen in British television news for more than 20 years.

‘We will champion robust, balanced debate and a range of perspectives on the issues that affect everyone in the UK, not just those living in the London area. We’ve seen a huge gap in the market for a new form of television news. GB News is aimed at the vast number of British people who feel underserved and unheard by their media.’

It is understood that Neil will present four days a week in the prime spot and receive a six-figure salary. Asked about his departure from the BBC, a friend said: ‘He will cover the

‘Robust, balanced debate’

US election for BBC then bow out on a high. He has no animosity to the BBC. He is disappointed that it has come to this and feels he was hung out to dry for too long.’

Neil’s hard-hitting political show was axed in news cuts at the corporation. It then emerged he would no longer front Politics Live, the daytime BBC2 show he chaired with Jo Coburn. He has also fronted This Week and the Daily Politics for the BBC.

The BBC had been in discussions with Neil about a new interview series.

But a source yesterday said: ‘Finally they made a deal but it was too little too late. If they’d made a deal earlier Andrew would have stayed. But they took too long.

GB News is said to be seeking more talent ahead of its launch, including ‘looking at top radio names’.

An insider said: ‘It will be rolling news with personality, edge and attitude.’

The channel said it was in the final stages of raising funding, with entertainment company Discover as the lead investor.

The BBC said: ‘We’d like to give our heartfelt thanks to Andrew for his many years of work for the BBC, during which he’s informed and entertained millions of viewers.

‘We wish him every success in his new role; we’re sorry the US election coverage will be his last BBC presentation work for the foreseeable future.’