The new GB News channel has launched a test signal on Freeview today ahead of the station's impending launch.

The new service aims to offer an alternative to the rolling news format of Sky News and the BBC with a lineup of personality-led programming and an emphasis on debate of the big topics.

GB News will be available almost universally from launch, having secured carriage on Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media and Youview - and the broadcaster previously announced that it had been assigned EPG number 236 on Freeview and Youview, including BT TV.

Today a placeholder has gone live on channel 236 informing viewers that "GB News is coming", alongside the strapline: "News, opinion and debate for all of the United Kingdom"

Some viewers may need to retune their Freeview devices or Smart TVs in order for the new channel to be added to the lineup.

An exact launch date for GB News is still to be confirmed although the channel is expected to be on air before the end of June.

> Freeview: Full channels list, EPG numbers and local differences