News UK confirms launch of Fox News-style TV channel

The job post also references a ’daily factual entertainment show’ that will straddle traditional TV and online content, with an emphasis on comedy.

What will the unnamed channel look like?

• Restricted to prime-time hours, the satirical-style show will not compete directly with Sky News but instead deliver something akin to the BBC’s Have I Got News For You or The Mash Report.

• Content will be split across three daily TV programmes geared toward British audiences, with accompanying online content.

• This format has served Murdoch well in America where Fox News has become a ratings hit on the back of heavily opinionated, talking head commentaries.

• Subject to media regulator Ofcom’s broadcasting standards code on ’due impartiality’, the station will be obliged to air a variety of points of view.

Why is this important?

• The venture would mark continued expansion by News UK, which bought radio stations talkSport, talkRadio and Virgin Radio in 2016 and recently launched Times Radio.

• The company has already invested heavily in its central London headquarters with the creation of a recording studio, currently being used to create online content.

• NewsUK’s intervention follows concerns raised by BBC director general Tim Davie over alleged left-wing bias in the broadcaster’s comedy output, which has been attributed to an absence of right-wing comedians.

• Reports in the Guardian suggest that the fledgling channel has already been granted an Ofcom license and will launch on Freeview.

• The focus on traditional broadcasts will hand the channel an immediate audience of mostly older viewers, but does carry additional costs of up to £10m.

• The high-risk strategy will require heavy investment from Murdoch to get off the ground and become established.