Veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil has announced plans to become the figurehead of a major new TV news channel.
The 71-year-old - renowned for his no-nonsense political interviews - has been associated with the BBC since the 1990s but has decided to leave following a dispute over his place in the schedules.
Now he has agreed to become chairman of GB News, a new 24-hour channel launching on Sky, Freeview and cable in January with backing from Discovery.
Revealing the news on Twitter, Neil wrote: "I'm delighted to announce I have accepted the post of Chairman of GB News, a new news channel to be launched early in the New Year bringing new perspectives to the news. I will also be presenting a new nightly prime-time show on GB News. Watch this space."
GB News will aim to take a different approach to the rolling news format of BBC News and Sky News by offering discussion-led programming and a switch to breaking news for major events, while also promising to highlight positive news stories and take a less cynical approach to the government's actions.
"GB News is the most exciting thing to happen in British television news for more than 20 years," Neil added. "We will champion robust, balanced debate and a range of perspectives on the issues that affect everyone in the UK, not just those living in the London area.
"We've seen a huge gap in the market for a new form of television news. GB News is aimed at the vast number of British people who feel underserved and unheard by their media."
Neil's final presenting assignment for the BBC will be to lead coverage of the US election in November.
Neil Wilkes
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