Who Owns GB News?

As a privately held media organization, GB News does not publish sustainability or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports. However, the network's editorial stance and its owners' investments have been subjects of public and ethical scrutiny.

Editorial Stance on Climate Change: GB News has been criticized by environmental groups and media watchdogs for providing a platform to commentators who express skepticism regarding human-caused climate change and the UK's Net Zero policies. The network frames this as providing diverse viewpoints and pushing back against mainstream consensus. Critics argue that the channel's coverage of climate issues contributes to misinformation.

Owner Investments: Co-owner Sir Paul Marshall, through his hedge fund Marshall Wace, has faced scrutiny from environmental organizations for maintaining investments in fossil fuel companies. Critics argue that these investments align with the network's editorial skepticism toward rapid decarbonization. Marshall Wace's investments have been documented by environmental campaign groups and reported in the British press.

Regulatory Compliance: As a UK broadcaster, GB News is subject to the Broadcasting Code enforced by Ofcom. The network has faced numerous investigations and several adverse rulings regarding due impartiality, particularly when sitting politicians have acted as news presenters. In March 2024, Ofcom ruled that two editions of "Jacob Rees-Mogg's State of the Nation" breached rules on due impartiality. GB News challenged these decisions in Judicial Review proceedings, but the High Court upheld Ofcom's rulings in February 2025.

Financial Sustainability: GB News has accumulated £131 million in losses since launch, raising questions about its long-term financial sustainability. The company is dependent on continued financial support from Marshall and Legatum. However, revenue growth of 66% in the year to May 2025 and narrowing losses suggest progress toward financial viability.

GB News has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream broadcasters, and its recognition reflects this distinct identity.

• TRIC Awards: GB News and its presenters, including Nigel Farage and Eamonn Holmes, have won several Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards. These awards are often driven by strong public voting campaigns from the channel's dedicated viewer base.
• Viewership Milestones: While not formal awards, GB News has achieved significant viewership milestones that it frequently highlights. In 2025, the channel beat BBC News Channel and Sky News on average viewership for six consecutive months, a milestone described by head of programming Ben Briscoe as "a seismic moment for British broadcasting."
• Radio Growth: GB News Radio's growth to 672,000 weekly listeners in Q4 2025, surpassing Times Radio and Talk, represents a significant achievement in the competitive UK radio market.

GB News has been the subject of frequent controversies since its launch in 2021.

Ofcom Investigations and Rulings: Ofcom has repeatedly found GB News in breach of broadcasting rules regarding due impartiality. In March 2024, Ofcom ruled that two editions of "Jacob Rees-Mogg's State of the Nation" and programs presented by Conservative MPs Esther McVey and Philip Davies broke rules on due impartiality. GB News challenged the rulings in Judicial Review proceedings, but the High Court upheld Ofcom's decisions in February 2025. Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled that Ofcom's interpretation of the Broadcasting Code was correct, stating that broadcast news remains "the only regulated source of reliable, accurate and duly impartial news in an increasingly challenging context."

Presenter Firings (2023): In late 2023, GB News fired presenters Laurence Fox, Calvin Robinson, and Dan Wootton following on-air comments made by Fox about a female journalist that were widely condemned as misogynistic. Fox made deeply offensive comments about journalist Ava Evans during an appearance on Dan Wootton's program. Wootton was fired for his failure to challenge the comments, and Robinson was fired for expressing support for Fox. The incident drew widespread condemnation and an Ofcom investigation.

Advertising Boycotts: Shortly after its launch, and periodically since, GB News has faced advertising boycotts organized by campaign groups such as Stop Funding Hate. Several major brands pulled their advertising from the network, citing concerns about the channel's editorial content. Despite these boycotts, advertising revenue more than doubled to £8.9 million in the year to May 2024, as the channel found alternative advertisers willing to associate with its content.

Politicians as Presenters: GB News's practice of hiring active politicians as presenters has been a persistent source of controversy. The channel has employed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Conservative MPs Lee Anderson, Esther McVey, Philip Davies, and Dehenna Davison, and former Conservative Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg as program hosts. Critics argue that this practice blurs the line between journalism and political advocacy, while GB News maintains that it provides viewers with direct access to political figures.

Financial Losses: GB News's cumulative losses of £131 million by May 2025 have drawn scrutiny about the channel's financial viability and the motivations of its owners in continuing to fund a loss-making operation. Critics have questioned whether the channel serves as a vehicle for political influence rather than a commercially sustainable business.