GB news viewers ‘switch off’ over ‘Atrocious’ economic segment, declare ‘I’m going to sky’
GB News has found itself at the centre of a backlash after airing a breakfast segment discussing the latest economic growth figures, with disgruntled viewers accusing the channel of pushing an overly optimistic narrative and threatening to switch to rival broadcasters.
The breakfast programme, presented by Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello, returned to screens on Wednesday morning with an in-depth discussion of the UK’s economic performance during the first quarter of 2025. According to fresh data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.7% between January and March — the fastest rate of growth seen in over a year.
While the presenters hailed the figures as encouraging, viewers at home were evidently less convinced. Political commentator Theo Usherwood joined the debate, offering analysis on what the figures might mean for the government and ordinary Britons alike. Stephen Dixon remarked: “It’s interesting, with the PM jetting around, and he’s had the finger pointed at him recently — ‘you’re doing all this stuff abroad, you’re not doing all this stuff at home.’ However, the GDP figures are out this morning, I know it’s not directly down to the PM, but that’s very positive news at home.”
However, the segment quickly drew ire from the GB News faithful, many of whom took to social media to voice their frustration, branding the segment “atrocious” and accusing the channel of abandoning its critical stance.
One disgruntled viewer posted: “Stephen the Labourite getting all excited over atrocious growth figures. I’m off to Sky, sick of this channel.” Another sceptical viewer chimed in: “So the economy is finally back to where it was when Labour took over from the Tories… Personally I think the figures are being manipulated by activist civil servants to take the pressure off Labour.”
Comments flooded in, reflecting deep-seated scepticism among segments of the public about the legitimacy of the economic data and what it means for their daily lives. “Economy grew by 0.7% between Jan and March, are we being led by another Marxist commy govt carrot?” wrote one viewer, while another mocked the figures with a sarcastic quip: “Oh gawd, Rachel from Accts will be lovin these GDP figures. Cannot understand it but it must be good. However, Stephen, we won’t be any better off because we’re already so much worse off.”
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Critics argued that the modest growth figure did little to offset the cost-of-living pressures that continue to bear down on British households. “That will be due to higher prices we are paying in the shops. Doesn’t mean we are better off,” wrote one viewer, echoing the concerns of many who feel that official statistics fail to reflect the reality on the ground.
Another viewer vented their frustration, stating: “Growth up 0.7%, really? So why are we paying more for everything, taxed beyond anything that’s gone before? We can’t pay the interest on the national debt. Billions paid out for illegals. These are BS ones figures and we all know how reliable they are and the blatant lies that this lot tell.”
The furore highlights the widening disconnect between official economic narratives and public sentiment, particularly among audiences who see GB News as a platform for alternative and sceptical perspectives. For a channel that has prided itself on challenging the mainstream media consensus, the backlash underscores the fine line GB News must walk in presenting news that balances analysis with the expectations of its core audience.
Whether the channel can recover from this latest episode of viewer dissatisfaction remains to be seen, but the chorus of “I’m going to Sky” may prompt reflection among GB News executives about the tone and framing of future segments.
