Andrew Neil takes swipe at Dan Wootton as he compares GB News to Fox

Andrew Neil has opened up about why he left GB News and colleague Dan Wootton and how he fears the channel he had a hand in creating is heading in the direction of America’s Fox News.

The “formidable” Scottish journalist and broadcaster, 72, left the network following explosive rows, rifts and run-ins with show bosses and has vowed to “never again be on GB News”.

As well as almost claiming he almost suffered a nervous breakdown after bigwigs leaked information about him and also breached the terms of his exit agreement, one of Neil’s biggest concerns is that GB News is turning into a British version of reactionary US-based Fox News.



Andrew Neil
Andrew Neil has blasted using ‘shock jocks’ like Dan Wootton

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Neil, who has edited some of the nation’s largest media groups, called GB News a “disaster” when he left after two weeks’ of shows on June 24.

As well as all the technical errors during the launch week, including him “looking like he was Kim Jong Un in a bunker about to launch a nuclear attack on San Francisco”, Neil has blasted using “shock jocks” presenters to get viewers.



dan wootton
Dan Wootton is known for his provocative views

He fears that GB News is going down the same road as Fox News, the right-wing, conservative American TV channel based in New York.

It is known for its savage political views and heated debates between pundits and guests.

He said: “Looking back, I wish I’d just got out then.

“The reason I didn’t resign was there were people who’d joined GB News – people who were friends – who knew my track record as a journalist and knew if I was there it wouldn’t be Fox News.”

Neil added: “They bring in these shock jocks in the morning and evening – Mark Dolan and this Patrick Christys. You’ve already got Dan Wootton.”

Reacting to Andrew’s claims, a statement from GB News said: “At no point did Andrew raise concerns of the editorial direction of GB News moving to the right.

“As with all companies, decision-making rests with the board, and GB News is no different.

“As a member of the board, Andrew had the same rights and abilities to raise concerns, and he was privy to all decisions.”



andrew neil
Neil has has he is glad he got out when he did

Wootton, the former editor of Central Recorder’s Bizarre column and also a Daily Mail columnist, is known for his anti-Meghan Markle and Prince Harry views, as well as being anti lockdown and has previously likened the UK to communist China.

His show, Tonight Live with Dan Wootton, even triggered 373 complaints to Ofcom after a six-minute tirade recently on the “madness” of lockdowns.

Andrew Neil declined to endorse some of the more controversial ideas. This included secretly filming leftist teachers in classrooms.

His response was: “That’s a really good idea but I think you should take charge of that yourself, and I promise you that after you get in hot water for breaking about five different laws – including filming minors – come back and talk to me.”

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