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Jim Davidson Eyes GB News Acquisition as UStreme Thrives
Veteran comedian Jim Davidson has revealed he contacted GB News leadership to explore the potential purchase of the television channel. This inquiry comes as Davidson’s own broadcasting venture, UStreme, experiences rapid growth. The 71-year-old entertainer established UStreme during Covid-19 lockdowns, initially as a platform when live performances were halted. It has since evolved into a comprehensive online TV service, featuring both original productions and classic entertainment, including comedy programmes and sketches not available elsewhere. This move signals Davidson’s growing influence in the media landscape and his strategic thinking regarding content distribution.
Potential Comedy Focus for GB News
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, ahead of recording the 500th episode of his programme “This Week,” Davidson, known for his distinctive commentary on global events and current affairs, shared his perspective that GB News and UStreme could complement each other. He clarified, “I don’t want Ustreme to be solely perceived as a right-leaning commentary channel. GB News has been unfairly labeled as a right-wing news outlet, which I believe is inaccurate.”
Expanding on his interest in GB News, Davidson explained, “I wrote to the head of GB News suggesting that UStreme consider acquiring them. I posed the question: ‘Are you for sale?’ My vision was to potentially transition GB News into a destination for comedy programming, given their apparent inclination towards highlighting the more absurd aspects of news, particularly in their evening broadcasts.”
Davidson further elaborated on his affinity for the channel, stating, “I admire GB News, its presenters, and I envisioned a synergistic relationship. Current events, frankly, practically generate comedic material themselves; it’s the most prolific comedy source in Britain currently,” he remarked humorously. Express.co.uk has reached out to GB News for their response.
From BBC to UStreme: Taking Control
After a celebrated career with the BBC, hosting prominent shows like “The Generation Game” and “Big Break,” Davidson now actively participates in editorial decisions and programming oversight at UStreme, alongside his on-screen commitments. He acknowledged initial concerns about the demanding schedule, admitting to past anxieties about maintaining a weekly or bi-weekly show given the volume of content creation required.
UStreme’s Success Amidst Global Events
However, Davidson notes that global developments provide ample material for his commentary, contributing to UStreme’s continued expansion. He described the demanding nature of his role: “It is genuinely exhausting. On show days, I dedicate two hours, and upon completion, I feel as though I’ve just faced Mike Tyson in a boxing ring, but it’s also incredibly stimulating,” he conveyed enthusiastically.
Mainstream Career and Future Ventures
Acknowledging Career Shifts
When questioned about potential negative consequences of launching his own platform on his established mainstream career, Davidson recognized “certain repercussions.”
He continued, “However, my current tour is the most commercially successful endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. My mainstream television career, in its conventional sense, is essentially concluded, with the exception of platforms like Channel Five. They recently broadcast a documentary about me, which has been repeated twice due to its strong viewership.”
Openness to Mainstream Return
When asked about a possible return to mainstream media, Davidson responded with a playful quip: “Well, let’s just say everyone has their price, don’t they?”
Embracing Entrepreneurship
Despite the extensive workload and responsibilities, Davidson expresses contentment as the owner of his own TV channel, where he has creative control. “I now perceive myself as a remarkably attractive senior individual who is a TV executive and entrepreneur. If I were of Russian origin, I’d likely be labelled an oligarch,” he concluded with a laugh, underlining his satisfaction with his current position in the media industry.