GB News is preparing for increased competition following the announcement that Reform UK plans to launch a rival YouTube channel, aiming to capture a share of the right-wing media market. The development follows speculation that Nigel Farage, a founding figure of GB News, may shift his focus to the new platform, intensifying a growing rivalry between the two outlets.
Reform UK’s new channel will operate primarily on YouTube and will benefit from a significant financial injection of £72 million from two cryptocurrency billionaires. The party intends to invest heavily in media facilities at its Millbank headquarters near Parliament and position the channel as a politically aligned broadcaster reflecting Reform UK’s viewpoints. This move marks a relaunch of Reform TV, which aims to blend news and political programming while leveraging a direct link to the party’s messaging.
Former GB News staff, including presenters and producers such as Mark Steyn and Geoff Marsh, who previously oversaw GB News’s digital operation, have joined Reform TV ahead of its debut. Farage himself is expected to play a prominent role, potentially in a leadership capacity, to help establish Reform TV as a formidable competitor. Supporters suggest the platform could provide a more controlled and politically targeted environment, particularly suited to Reform UK’s core demographic, which increasingly consumes content via YouTube on smart TVs.
GB News leadership, including editorial director Michael Booker, has dismissed suggestions that Reform TV will significantly undermine their position. Booker noted GB News’s expanding lead over traditional broadcasters like BBC News and Sky News in weekly viewership terms. Nonetheless, concerns remain about dividing the audience within the right-wing media space and the potential loss of talent and viewers to the new venture. Michael Crick, a political journalist and GB News guest, highlighted the risk of Reform TV attracting key presenters associated with Farage, which could intensify the competition for viewers.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former Conservative MP and GB News presenter, addressed the issue during his weekly show, encouraging viewers to remain loyal to GB News amid the unfolding rivalry. The timing coincides with the Conservative party conference, where both GB News and Reform UK are expected to campaign aggressively for attention within a shared right-leaning audience.
Reform TV’s choice of YouTube also allows it to operate without direct regulation from Ofcom, which governs traditional broadcasters like GB News. Reform UK sources highlighted the platform’s appeal for delivering unfiltered content, especially during election campaigns, and noted its growing reach among older demographics.
While some insiders describe GB News and Reform TV as closely intertwined facets of the right-wing media landscape, others predict a more competitive environment that could reshape the sector. GB News recently faced financial strain, leading to staff reductions after recording significant losses, which adds another layer of complexity to its future market position. Despite these challenges, some former GB News personnel remain confident in the channel’s ability to retain and grow its audience under the management of CEO Angelos Frangopoulos, cited as highly attuned to viewer preferences.
As the two channels prepare to vie for dominance within a limited viewer base, the emerging media rivalry is poised to be a key topic within conservative political circles and the UK’s evolving broadcast landscape.