GB News ratings ‘fall to zero viewers’ amid row over presenter taking the knee

GB News ratings have reportedly plummeted to zero viewers amid a row about a presenter taking the knee.

The right-wing news channel ran by chairman Andrew Neil launched in June and has been plagued by technical issues since its start, with some brands removing advertising from the channel and Neil himself acknowledging that the channel had had a “rocky start”.

Now, The Guardian has reported official television audience figures produced by rating agency Barb which found that on Wednesday, the channel attracted “ no measurable audience” between 1pm and 1.30pm and again at 5pm.

The fall in ratings comes after presenter Guto Harri took the knee on Tuesday’s show in a stance of solidarity against racism.

This action followed much online racist abuse of England football players after the UEFA Euros 2020 final and occurred amid a discussion about Home Secretary Priti Patel being criticised for previously referring to the taking the knee as “gesture politics” and not condemning those who booed the England team for doing so.

It is uncertain what breach of their standards took place, with GB’s public Editorial Charter stating that they stand for “the independence of our journalism”, “respect for opinions and those expressing them”, and the “right of every individual to form and share their views”.

Their full editorial charter is available here.

It was reported on Friday by The Guardian that Guto Harri had been “indefinitely taken off air as a presenter” by GB News.

GB News has been approached by The Mirror for comment on that report.

Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/gb-news-ratings-plummet-zero-24550761

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