Sky News adds new weekly interview show with Beth Rigby on Thursday nights from March 2022.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402) is adding a new weekly interview show on Thursday nights at 23:00 (South African time) from March with Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby as the host, although the interviews will not be limited to politics.

In the as-yet-untitled interview show, Sky News says that Beth Rigby "will question decision-makers from all walks of life, and people caught up at the coal face of change".

"The aim is to explore their views on what is going on in Britain and around the world at a time of great uncertainty, and - more generally - to seek out new directions for the in-depth interview as a tool of journalism."

"In keeping with the aim of putting people at the heart of stories, Sky News will seek to show that although a lot of debate is conducted through the prism of data and evidence, it is still beliefs and human impulses which determine decisions, and humans who find themselves in the crucible of profoundly important moments."

John Ryley, head of Sky News, says "In six years at Sky News, Beth has been at the centre of some of the most compelling news stories of our generation, put those in charge on the spot, and had a front-row seat to history that has unfolded in this country".

"Now is the right time to ask more and to expand the way she can contribute to the Sky News output. Beth's standing and journalistic reputation are such that she will make Thursday nights on Sky News the destination for the big names, the big questions and the big headlines."

Beth Rigby, in the statement, says "Much in our daily lives is shaped by decisions made in parliament, which is why being Sky News' political editor is such a privilege. But I'm interested too about what happens beyond Westminster, and this flagship interview show will be the place where you'll hear from fascinating people with fascinating stories from all walks of life".

"I'm looking forward to welcoming a wide range of guests to discuss and debate the live issues, and provide a moment each week for more in depth-conversation away from the relentless rhythm of the daily news cycle."

Sky News adds Big Ideas Live from 12 October as a new panel-discussion series looking at critical topics facing Britain.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402) is adding Big Ideas Live from Tuesday 12 October as a new series of live thought-leadership events of which parts will also be shown on the British TV news channel and in which experts will discuss certain critical topics facing the United Kingdom.

Sky News says that it will launch Big Ideas Live on Tuesday 12 October in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, as the first in a series of live in-person events designed to bring together a diversity of views from around the United Kingdom to try and "brainstorm solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing the UK today".

Big Ideas Live will have Sky News presenters joined by business leaders, industry commentators and political players in an interactive, conference-style setting to explore ideas surrounding the most prominent issues, ranging from business and economics to the arts, climate, science and health, as well as technology.

held at Magna in the former Templeborough steel works in Rotherham, the first Big Ideas Live will revolve around the topic of "How to fire up UK business and the economy in the wake of the pandemic".

Sky News' economics editor and data editor Ed Conway, business presenter Ian King, and presenters Trevor Phillips and Samantha Washington will host panels and interviews with guests including the former governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney, the chief executive of Siemens UK Carl Ennis, UK managing director of Arla Foods, Ash Amirahmadi, climate activist and former Mayor of Sheffield Magid Magid and CEO of Smart Green Shipping - Diane Gilpin. 

There will also be contributions from an in-person audience of regional business voices.

Analysis from the Sky News data journalism team will explore what the data shows about how the pandemic has impacted UK business and the economy. The event will focus on the future of jobs, the future of green growth and the future of the North as a powerhouse for economic growth post-pandemic.

Sky News says that the event will be live streamed across the Sky News website and app as well as appearing throughout the day on the Sky News TV channel.

"Sky News has proven through the past 18 months that we provide a vital public service to make the critical topics of our day accessible and relatable to our viewers," says John Ryley, head of Sky News.

"This is an ambitious next step to take Sky News’ specialists live into communities around the country and examine some very big ideas."

"Our business and economics specialists and data journalists are the among the best in the business, so this first topic was an obvious choice. Big Ideas Live will step away from rolling news and instead create a format to break down the important issues of our time, starting with reigniting UK business and the economy."

Sky News launches The Daily Climate Show as its first daily news programme dedicated to climate change and the environment.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402) is adding The Daily Climate Show from 7 April to its schedule as the British TV news channel's first daily news programme dedicated to climate change and the environment.

The Daily Climate Show will have Anna Jones as presenter and will showcase the work of Sky News correspondents in the United Kingdom and internationally as they investigate how global warming is changing the landscape and how people are living their lives.

In a statement announcing the show Sky News says that The Daily Climate Show "will also highlight solutions to the crisis and show viewers small changes they can make that will make a big difference".

John Ryley, head of Sky News, says "There has never been a more urgent need to report accurately on the climate crisis and to bring this story to new audiences".

"In this critical year for action ahead of COP26, The Daily Climate Show from Sky News will feature forensic data-journalism, expert analysis and eye-witness reporting and look at the solutions to climate change.”

The 15-minute The Daily Climate Show will be available on the Sky News website and app, on YouTube and Twitter and will be broadcast at 20:30 and 23:30 (South African time) Mondays to Fridays on the Sky News TV channel.

A weekly digital edition will be published across all of Sky News’ social platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. 

A companion podcast entitled Climatecast will go into more depth on issues covered in the week and a digital dashboard will give Sky News viewers and consumers a live, real-time minute to minute view of how power is being generated and used, and how close the planet is from reaching a potentially catastrophic temperature increase.

The Daily Climate Show will interview people most impacted by climate change, people adapting to it, as well as scientist and policymakers.

Michelle Whitehead, project delivery manager at the Albert News Consortium, says "It's fantastic to see Sky News yet again taking decisive action to further its environmental commitments".

"We're all well aware of the power our TV content has to help encourage and normalise sustainable behaviour. We have no doubt that The Daily Climate Show will really help audiences to understand the climate issues we face but equally feel empowered to make positive changes in their own lives and beyond."

Sarah-Jane Mee replacing Eamonn Holmes as new anchor of Sunrise on Sky News; will broadcast from 17 October from Sky Central's new glass studio.

Sarah-Jane Mee will be the new main anchor of the breakfast morning show Sunrise on Sky News with Jonathan Samuels as co-presenter from 17 October with a new look for the programme.

Sarah-Jane Mee is replacing Eamonn Holmes who is leaving Sky News (DStv 402) along with a lot of longtime Sky News anchors as the TV news channel is cutting down costs.

Sarah-Jane Mee and Jonathan Samuels will anchor Sunrise from Mondays to Thursdays. Stephen Dixon will continue to host Sunrise Fridays to Sunday with Isabel Webster.

Sunrise with Sarah-Jane Mee and Jonathan Samuels will be broadcast from the new state-of-the-art, glass studio that Sky News has been constructing at Sky News' studios in Osterley in West London called Sky Central.

The new studio will give Sunrise a new on-air look.

Sarah-Jane Mee has been a familiar face on Sunrise, and Jonathan Samuels, a senior correspondent, has been further honing his skills as night-time sit-in anchor on Sky News.

Joining Sarah-Jane Mee and Jonathan Samuels will be sports presenter, Jacquie Beltrao and weather presenters, Isobel Lang and Nazaneen Ghaffar.

Sarah-Jane Mee started her career at Sky, left and returned to Sky News in 2008.

"I'm so excited about returning to the Sunrise hotseat; taking over from Eamonn is a real honour and I I feel privileged that I will be starting the day with Sunrise viewers around the UK and beyond, " says Sarah-Jane Mee in a statement.

"Live news is always such a thrill, you never know where the morning will take you and I looking forward to finding out.”

John Ryley, the head of Sky News, says "I'm delighted that Sarah-Jane is to anchor Sunrise. She's enjoying a stellar career here at Sky and will bring a fresh outlook to Sunrise, combining a lightness of touch with sharp journalistic nous; I know she will excel in her new role."

Sky News adds beautiful looking new primetime news show, Sky News Tonight, anchored by Adam Boulton and Sarah Hewson.

Sky News (DStv 402) on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform today added a brand-new primetime news show, Sky News Tonight, with simply beautiful looking graphics and which will from 1 September broadcast between 20:00 and 22:00 with Adam Boulton and Sarah Hewson as the anchors.

Besides Sky News, CNN International (DStv 401) and eNCA (DStv 403) also made big changes today, with CNN International changing its on-air graphics to reflect that of CNN in America, and eNCA also changing its on air-graphics, logo and look.

Sky News Tonight on Sky News has a distinct blue look with beautiful, clean and clear translucent graphics.

Sky News Tonight promises to bring "the best of Sky News' journalism with interviews with major guests, studio debate, analysis and a pioneering social media cross-over".

The social media component was instantly felt but didn't overpower the show, making it possible for viewers to interact with the show.

Sky News' social affairs editor Afua Hirsch will now bring a brand new, forensic analysis of the day's major national and international news using new technology, data journalism and cutting-edge digital media tools.

"Sky News Tonight will not only showcase the best of  the channel’s journalism but also offer a platform to delve further into the stories of the day incorporating digital components to better illustrate and explain," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News.

"This will be a high production show determined by a serious news agenda".

The new flagship business show, Ian King Live, set to start on Sky News on Monday 2 June at 20:30.

The new Ian King Live on Sky News (DStv 402) replacing Jeff Randall Live will start on 2 June at 20:30 (South African time) Sky News has announced.

Sky News' new flagship business show which started running a promo for it in May will broadcast live Mondays to Thursdays at 20:30 from the Sky News City studio in The Gherkin.

Ian King Live will be presented by the new business presenter, Ian King.

Ian King Live will help viewers of Sky News understand how the major corporate decisions affect their lives.

"The business agenda is one that affects each and every one of us, and Ian King Live will really help people understand why the decisions that get made every day in the business world, have an impact on the lives they lead," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News in a statement.

"Ian's reputation as a journalist is second to none, and I know his show will become a must view programme in our schedule".

Sky News appoints Faisal Islam as the 24-hour British TV news channel's political editor.

Sky News (DStv 402) has appointed Faisal Islam as its new political editor in the place of Adam Boulton.

Faisal Islam will take up his position later this year at Sky News and was at the United Kingdom's Channel 4 News where he is the economics editor.

Sky News will be covering the Scottish Referendum in September this year and the United Kingdom's general election in 2015.

"The political editor is one of the most important and demanding roles at Sky News. We have a long history of challenging the way politics is reported in the United Kingdom and I know Faisal Islam is keen to continue this; I am confident he will rise to the challenge," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News in a statement.

Sky News adds extensive Oscar Pistorius murder trial coverage with a special, daily Pistorius Trial review programme at 23:30 from Monday.

Sky News (DStv 402) will start with extensive coverage of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial on Monday 3 March and has added a daily, special Pistorius Trial review programme which will start on Monday at 23:30 (South African time).

From Monday Sky News will be reporting live from the Oscar Pistorius court case from the North Gauteng High Court in South Africa.

Sky News' Jeremy Thompson has flown from London to Pretoria and and will present the latest news and developments to a global audience, as well as interview a number of guests, including regular commentary from a South African lawyer and a forensic expert.

Alex Crawford, special correspondent; Martin Brunt, crime correspondent; and Emma Hurd as foreign correspondent will all join Jeremy Thompson in Pretoria and Alex Crawford will be reporting live from the Oscar Pistorius courtroom.

Sky News has created a 3D layout of the Oscar Pistorius apartment, there will be a live feed from a stenographer, a Twitter stream from the Sky News correspondents covering the murder trial, extensive image galleries and infographics on South Africa's legal system.

Sky News is also adding a live stream of the Oscar Pistorius trial on the Sky News channel on YouTube.

"Sky News has a strong history of delivering must-see coverage of courtroom trials," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News in a statement.

"Our special nightly programme will offer a succinct review of the day. Sky News customers will have every aspect of the trial available to them at their fingertips," says John Ryley.

Jeff Randall leaving Sky News end of March; Ian King appointed as Sky News' new business presenter.

Jeff Randall is leaving Sky News (DStv 402) at the end of March and will be replaced by Ian King (pictured right) who has been appointed as Sky News' new business news presenter.

It also means the end of Jeff Randall Live on weekdays at 21:00 (South African time), which Ian King will take over.

Sky News says in a press statement that Ian King "will be a lead voice in Sky News' business coverage and will present its daily business programme that tackles the top corporate stories of the day".

"The show based at Sky News' studio in the Gherkin, features hard hitting interviews that puts business leaders through their paces and analyses the big corporate news of the day".

John Ryley, head of Sky News says Ian King is "a powerhouse in business journalism and I know he will make a real impact with our viewers. The business beat has never been more important and I am delighted Ian King has decided to join us and lead the talented team we already have at Sky News".

"I am thrilled to be joining the Sky News team," says Ian King in the statement. "Sky News' business coverage during recent years has been second-to-none and its passion for business news unmatched".

Eamonn Holmes signs a new 5 year contract to stay with Sky News as the presenter of breakfast show Sunrise.

Eamonn Holmes has signed a new 5 year contract to remain with Sky News (DStv 402) as the presenter of Sky News's morning show Sunrise.

The Northern Irishman does Sunrise with presenter Charlotte Hawkins, sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao and weather presenters Isobel Lang and Nazaneen Ghaffar and is Sky News' most watched programme of the day.

The show's viewership has doubled in the past 8 years since Eamonn Holmes took over the morning slot on Sky News.

"When Eamonn joined Sky News in 2005 it was a massive coup and eight years on that hasn't changed," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News in a statement. "Eamonn's inimitable style and rapport with his Sunrise team has proven hugely popular with our viewers."

"The show has consistent high ratings and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching it flourish over the last eight years."

Eamonn Holmes says "I am delighted that Sky News has put faith in me to build on the increasing success and awareness of Sunrise. I am surrounded by top professionals in the studio, in production and in the field. We all believe in the way we serve up our breakfast show."

Kay Burley celebrates 25 years at Sky News, signs a new 5 year contract with the British TV news channel taking her to 30 years.

Kay Burley (DStv 402) is celebrating 25 years as a presenter and news reader at the British 24-hour TV news channel and has signed a new 5 year contract.

Kay Burley who is Sky News' longest serving TV news presenter, will continue doing her popular afternoon weekday slot as well as regularly contributing to Sky News's digital offerings.

"When I joined Sky News 25 years ago, the aim was to break the mold by offering viewers the coice of when to watch news," says Kay Burley in a statement. "Today we're viewed all over the world through many different platforms. I am immensely proud of what we continue to achieve."

"Kay has been at the forefront of Sky News for 25 years," says John Ryley, the head of Sky News.  "She has demonstrated her ability to adapt with the ever evolving production of news and has been at the heart of our coverage of many breaking news stories."

"From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the birth of a future king, Kay has had an eventful quarter of a century. It is an extraordinary achievement and I'm delighted Kay is on board to be part of our exciting future in non-stop news."