Launch TalkTV

[Juicy Joe]

Andrew Neil speaks to Spectator TV (from 14 minutes in) about TalkTV, as well as GB News, the BBC and ITN.  Suggests the move for Murdoch is to poach Nigel Farage to both weaken GB News and build up a lead for Piers Morgan.

I doubt Pier Morgan would appreciate other shows "propping up" his own show, by more successful rival presenters.  Piers' show needs to dominate in its own right and I don't think this is the best way of doing it, but what do I know?

I doubt any new signings would be promoted by TalkTV as "propping up" Morgan's show. And I doubt Morgan would have any (in-principle) objections to new signings that help lift the channel's overall profile - a rising tide lifts all boats. Indeed, without wanting to get inside his head, I can only imagine that Morgan would expect more talent to be recruited if the channel is to grow and be a lasting success.

I understand TalkTV wouldn't promote it in this way, but that's how it would come across to the viewing public.  And it always seems to me when bosses schedule big programmes before other non performing shows, it always seems a bit of a shady way of gaining ratings. The fact that the TV may be on in the background but the viewers aren't actually watching, or in an entirely different room etc.  Piers wouldn't like this tactic putting Farage on immediately before him.  I think the primetime slot isn't right for his show, a later slot would be better when it isn't against all the mainstream well established shows and soaps, something you would tune into before going to bed.