Andrew Neil has insisted that his new TV channel GB News has a great future despite a torrid week.
The former BBC regular took to Twitter to issue a short statement as fury engulfed the fledgling station.
Posting to his 1.1 million followers, Andrew penned: “Start ups are fraught and fractious.
“GB is no exception. But the news channel is finding its feet and has a great future. Watch this space.”
His post came just hours after reports claimed one of the channel’s main producers quit amid a row over a presenter taking the knee live on air.
The act of taking the knee came about after the tragic killing of George Floyd in America.
(Image: GB News)
The act is closely linked to the BLM – Black Lives Matter – movement which many see as a political organisation beyond simply wanting racial equality.
Senior executive John McAndrew is reported to have walked from the channel after a ‘clash with bosses’ over their response to Guto Harri took the knee live on air.
The Guardian claim McAndrew decided to quit after coming under pressure to favour ‘culture war’ topics.
(Image: GB News)
He was said to have been asked to “dial down” the focus on local reporting.
Following Harri’s decision to take the knee after telling viewers he was more aware of racial issues following the England V Italy Euros final, GB News released a statement.
The statement said: “GB News stands four square against racism in all its forms.
“We do not have a company line on taking the knee.
(Image: GB News)
“Some of our guests have been in favour, some against. All are anti-racist.
“We have editorial standards that all GB News journalists uphold.
“On Tuesday a contributing presenter took the knee live on air and this was an unacceptable breach of our standards.
“We let both sides of the argument down by oversimplifying a very complex issue.”
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