GB News beats Sky in ratings battle

In the United Kingdom, GB News achieved a significant milestone by overtaking Sky News in live TV viewing figures for the first time in November 2024. According to data from Barb, the TV ratings agency, GB News recorded an average of 70,430 live viewers during a 20-hour period from 6 am to 2 am. This achievement is notable as it highlights a shifting landscape in news consumption, particularly amidst increasing competition and changes in viewer behavior in a digital era. The surge in GB News' audience can be attributed to a variety of factors, including its coverage of recent high-profile events. A farmers' protest in London on November 19 garnered particular attention, boosting their viewership to an impressive 90,000 average live views on the day of the demonstration. Moreover, an exclusive interview with Eric Trump the following day discussing Donald Trump's potential return to the White House also likely contributed to the channel's increased viewer interest. In contrast, Sky News averaged 67,670 viewers in the same timeframe, indicating GB News's growing appeal among audiences. Despite GB News's rising viewership, it has faced considerable scrutiny from Ofcom, the UK’s broadcast regulator, having been found in breach of regulatory rules multiple times since its launch in 2021. As of late October 2024, Ofcom levied a £100,000 fine against GB News for violating impartiality rules during a program featuring then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The fine underscored ongoing concerns about the channel’s commitment to fair reporting standards, particularly among its critics who argue that its editorial choices often reflect a right-leaning bias. The environment of media consumption has drastically changed in recent years, with audiences increasingly accessing news through various platforms beyond traditional television. While live viewing figures remain a point of measurement, the True reach of news outlets like Sky News may extend far beyond mere television metrics. Sky News reported a monthly reach of 8.05 million viewers in November, with over 4 million people engaging with their content daily through different channels, emphasizing that viewership habits are evolving. The data suggests that although GB News has successfully captured a notable portion of the live viewing audience, the overall landscape of news consumption continues to diversify and complicate the perception of viewership statistics.