New broadcaster GB News has confirmed that it will launch on Sunday, June 13.
The new service aims to offer an alternative to the rolling news format of incumbents including Sky and the BBC by offering a lineup of personality-led debate programming with a heavy emphasis on regional issues affecting communities around the UK.
Presenters signed up to host shows on the channel include Andrew Neil - also the channel's chairman - Simon McCoy, Colin Brazier, Kirsty Gallacher, Alastair Stewart and Michelle Dewberry, while coverage will be almost universal via Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and Youview.
Previous reports had claimed that the channel would begin broadcasting on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31 - but now the broadcaster has confirmed that it will hit the airwaves at 8pm on Sunday, June 13 with a programme called Welcome To GB News, hosted by Neil.
GB News is already broadcasting a basic test signal on Freeview and Sky but that is expected to be replaced by a video preview loop within the next few days.
The channel's slot on Sky has still not been confirmed, meanwhile, with EPG channel 524 the next available option unless a more lucrative slot higher up the listing is acquired from another broadcaster.
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