Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Sky News appoints Beth Rigby as new political editor, Sam Coates joins Sky as deputy political editor.


Sky News (DStv 402) has appointed Beth Rigby as the British TV news channel's new political editor, with Sam Coates joining Sky News from The Times in the United Kingdom as deputy political editor to fill Beth Rigby's position.

Beth Rigby replaces Faisal Islam who has left Sky News to join the BBC as its economics editor. She will take up her new role from May 2019.

Beth Rigby joined Sky News in May 2016 as senior political correspondent and was promoted to deputy political editor at Sky News in July 2018.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be appointed Sky News' political editor," says Beth Rigby. "Huge opportunity and responsibility at such an important time in our political life. An honour to follow in the footsteps of Faisal Islam and Adam Boulton in such a crucial role."

"We're delighted to appoint Beth Rigby as our new political editor," says John Ryley, head of Sky News.

"Beth has a compelling vision for reporting politics differently at a time of great change and she has an excellent track record as a story getter at the Financial Times, The Times and more recently here at Sky News."

Meanwhile Sam Coates will take Beth Rigby's position as deputy political editor later in 2019.

"Beth's promotion to political editor in May gives us a great opportunity to add to our team and we're delighted Sam will be joining us as deputy political editor later in the year," says Dan Williams, Sky News head of politics.

"It's a tremendous moment in our history and there is a huge responsibility in these positions. Sam has a fantastic track record in breaking stories and getting to the heart of the political world. We look forward to him joining the team."