Kay Burley in shock-exit from Sky News after 36 years with abrupt sign-off

by Thinus Ferreira

Kay Burley is leaving Sky News (DStv 402) after 36 years and made her abrupt exit this morning at the end of this morning's edition of her show on the United Kingdom TV news channel, telling viewers it's her final show.

She told Sky News viewers this morning that "It’s been an honour and a privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business news".

"After over a million minutes of live TV news, more than anyone else in the world, it's time for me to indulge in some of my other passions, including my love for travel."

Sky News staffers stood on the side of the studio and clapped.

Aftermore than three decades Kay has covered everything, including stalking out at the infamous Lindo Wing, interviewing everyone while waiting for the birth of Prince William and Katherine's baby George.

David Rhodes, Sky News chairman, followed with an email to Sky News staffers, saying: "Kay's legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky's legacy".

"And I'm sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won't face her indomitable questioning in the mornings. We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck."

Kay Burley was one of the original Sky News presenters when the channel launched in 1989 and she has anchored across various day parts.

ALSO READ: Sky News overhauls for digital future, plots move to premium pay news content with increased AI as traditional TV news declines in 'Sky News 2030' strategy

Sky News overhauls for digital future, plots move to premium pay news content with increased AI as traditional TV news declines in 'Sky News 2030' strategy

by Thinus Ferreira

Britain's Sky News (DStv 402) has announced the start of an organisational overhaul as part of its "Sky News 2030" strategy in which it will pivot to create and deliver digital and premium pay news content as the state of traditional TV news continues to decline.  

Sky News will give less resources on breaking news and covering live news, will have to reorganise the newsroom, eliminate duplicate processes and use artificial intelligence (AI) more.

While American TV news like CNN and Britain's Sky News and starting to face the inevitable future that requires a drastic rethink to remain viable, South Africa's eNCA (DStv 403) from eMedia on MultiChoice's DStv, SABC News (DStv 404), as well as Newzroom Africa (DStv 405) have not yet announced drastic realignments to their operating models.

Sky News chairman David Rhodes, in a speech to staff, announced that Sky News will overhaul its programming and newsroom as part of a new editorial strategy to create premium paid content that will have to offset the losses and decline of traditional television and TV news.

Sky News, as part of its "Sky News 2030" strategy, will try to build "new income streams centred around subject hubs that will offer paid products from podcasts and newsletters to events and live shows".

Sky News' app is not available in South Africa for South African viewers, but David Rhodes wants to build out new products and services for Sky News to get UK and international TV news viewers to pay for that.

With all of the planned new products and services, the traditional, 36-year-old Sky News channel will continue to remain available as a traditional pay-TV channel.

According to David Rhodes, Sky News' resources will now focus more on creating premium content for which audiences will have to pay. According to him, only 30% of Sky News' current news output can be classified as "premium" and he wants that to change to "70%".

"Linear TV audiences and linear monetisation are in a structural decline," he said.

"We are not the first to recognise that premium experiences, where engaged audiences are willing to pay, are where we need to be."

The Sky News newsroom will be reorganised and "duplication" cut down by increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Sky News off-air, eNCA switches to repeat filler as Microsoft's growing IT outage spreads and impacts broadcasters, banks, transport worldwide.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402) abruptly went off-air on Friday morning while eMedia's eNCA (DStv 403) was forced to switch to filler repeats as a global Microsoft IT outage related to cybersecurity software CrowdStrike spread worldwide, shutting down broadcasters, media, banks and transportation worldwide.

It's been described as "the most serious IT outage the world has ever seen" and led to global chaos on Friday.

In South Africa, the TV news channel eNCA and Capitec bank along with Comcast's Sky News channel were the first to be noticeably affected by the shocking cyber fiasco that hit businesses from the United States and the United Kingdom to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Other South African businesses besides eMedia's eNCA which were affected by the Microsoft host mistake included Nedbank, Absa bank, FNB, Standard Bank, Airlink, South African Airways, Flysafair, and the City of Tshwane municipality including its prepaid vending system.

The crippled eNCA was forced to switch to repeat filler to pad its morning broadcast for several hours.

eMedia in response to emailed media queries about eNCA's problems on Friday said it had no comment.

eNCA sources meanwhile told TVwithThinus on Friday morning that the on-air problems and emergency decision to air reruns "was directly because of Windows being stuck".

While eNCA failed to communicate about what was wrong in its Hyde Park headquarters, Sky News immediately communicated, and issued a statement as well. 

Sky News in a statement said "Sky News has not been able to broadcast live TV this morning, we apologise for the interruption. All the news is still available online, on the Sky News app, website, and across our social media accounts. We are working hard to restore all services."

On the channel, Sky News showed a filler card that reads: "We apologise for the interruption to this broadcast. We hope to restore the transmission of Sky News shortly."

Sky News anchor Anna Jones told viewers that Sky News was "operating at minimal capacity" and was "working to imrpove" its Friday news content output.

So far the SABC and other South African TV news channel SABC News and Newzroom Afrika appear unaffected.

On Friday morning, CNBC Europe switched from its London studio to Dubai because of Microsoft's "blue screen of death".

The global IT outage continues to affect everything from airlines worldwide to railways, banks and ATMS, to media outlets, hospitals, supermarkets and even stock exchanges.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz of the American cybersecurity company, noted that the worldwide outage was not a "security incident or cyberattack" but connected "to a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts".

George Kurtz said that the mistake "has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed".

Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft spokesperson, in an emailed statement said "a CrowdStrike update was responsible for bringing down a number of Windows systems globally. We are actively supporting customers to assist in their recovery".

In a social media post, Troy Hunt, a security consultant, said "I don't think it's too early to call it: This will be the largest IT outage in history. This is basically what we were all worried about with Y2K, except it's actually happened this time".

The BBC reported that by 12:00 on Friday, 1 400 airline flights worldwide had been cancelled so far today.

UPDATE Friday 19 July 2024 10:20am: Sky News is back to broadcasting again but without any graphics or the lower-third banner. 

eNCA went back to broadcasting live again at 09:55 with Sindy Mabe anchoring but also without any graphics or a lower-third banner and just the eNCA logo in the bottom-right corner.

A broadcast insider told me earlier on Friday morning that "we are unable to fire banners" meaning on-screen graphics and the lower-third strap usually populated by rolling headline text.

UPDATE Friday 19 July 2024 14:00: eNCA managed to return its lower-third banner and headlines scroll by 14:00 on Friday afternoon.

ALSO READ: eMedia silent over eNCA's Friday on-air emergency after CrowdStrike's Windows update error forced it into filler repeats.

Sky News adds new nightly strand The World with Yalda Hakim from 22 January as its new block for international reporting and interviews.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402 / StarSat 258) is adding a new hourlong primetime foreign affairs show, The World with Yalda Hakim from Monday 22 January that will run from Mondays to Thursdays at 23:00 South African time which Sky News says will become the news channel's "home for international reporting".

The World with Yalda Hakim will discuss the latest international news headlines and include interviews and analysis about news and issues shaping the globe.

According to Sky News, Yalda Hakim will have a guest panel each night live in studio for conversation and analysis "that explores the issues defining our times".

Sky News says The World with Yalda Hakim will "become the home for Sky News' international reporting and will showcase eyewitness journalism from Sky’s award-winning foreign reporting team led by special correspondent and BAFTA award-winner, Alex Crawford, and chief correspondent and International Emmy award-winner, Stuart Ramsay".

Yalda Hakim says "I am honoured to be launching our new prime time foreign affairs show, The World. I have long admired Sky for its smart, fearless and world-class reporting and I'm excited to be showcasing our exceptional journalism on the programme".

"We will be holding ourselves to the highest standards of integrity. Our only commitment is to hold accountable those in power and to try to share the stories that matter most - and let the viewer, decide for themselves. I look forward to giving my all as part of one of the most talented and accomplished news teams anywhere."

David Rhodes, Sky News executive chairman, says "There's no better time for this brave and ambitious reporting than this dangerous and uncertain new year".

"And there's no better person to lead the programme than Yalda, supported by our tenacious team of journalists all around the globe. Everywhere people get their news, they will get the full global picture from everyone involved in The World with Yalda Hakim.".

Yalda Hakim joined Sky News at the end of 2023 and before that worked for the BBC for a decade, mostly as chief presenter for the BBC News channel where she anchored The Daily Global with Yalda Hakim.

ALSO READ: Breakfast on Sky News starts hour earlier at 8am from 15 January from new Westminster studio as Gareth Barlow, Mhari Aurora and Wilfred Frost join Kay Burley as presenters.

Breakfast on Sky News starts hour earlier at 8am from 15 January from new Westminster studio as Gareth Barlow, Mhari Aurora and Wilfred Frost join Kay Burley as presenters.

by Thinus Ferreira

From Monday 15 January Sky News (DStv 402 / StarSat 258) is overhauling its early morning programming blocks yet again with Breakfast with Kay Burley which will start an hour earlier at 08:00 and is adding new presenters and a new look.

Sky News' Breakfast, currently seen from 09:00 to 12:00 in South Africa, will add another hour from 15 January and now start at 08:00 from 15 January and run from 08:00 to 12:00 on weekdays from a new studio at Sky's Westminster bureau.

From 08:00 presenter Gareth Barlow and political correspondent Mhari Aurora will co-present Breakfast on Sky News. Gareth Barlow joins Sky News after having worked for 10 years with BBC News.

Both remain in studio from 9:00 to 12:00 when the timeslot's existing Kay Burley joins to do interviews.

Also joining Breakfast will be Wilfred Frost with previews of the day's news agenda. The Breakfast team will join Anna Jones for Breakfast every Friday to Sunday, along with Jacquie Beltrao who will deliver the sports headlines every weekend.

"We're really pleased to present Breakfast earlier each morning and delighted to welcome Gareth Barlow to our team," says David Rhodes, Sky News executive chairman, in a statement.

"From a new Westminster newsroom now - and a new studio in the coming months - Kay Burley, Gareth Barlow, Mhari Aurora, and Wilfred Frost will bring the whole range of Sky News to audiences each morning."

Kay Burley says "Breakfast is becoming even brighter here on Sky News. I'm excited to be presenting from a new state-of-the-art studio - and to be joined by a great new line-up. Gareth, Mhari and Wilfred will be with me, each bringing their unique brand of first-rate, quality journalism.  It'll be the best breakfast show in the business."

Gareth Barlow says "I'm thrilled to be joining Sky News to work alongside Kay and the incredible Breakfast team".

"I can't wait to bring an even bigger and bolder Breakfast to our viewers around the United Kingdom. With elections in Westminster and Washington on the horizon - there will be no better place to keep up to date with the latest UK and international news, than the new look Sky News Breakfast."

Mhari Aurora says "This year will see an explosive election campaign and I am delighted to be a part of the incredible Sky News Breakfast team bringing viewers the twists and turns of UK politics as they happen, holding power to account with sharp snap analysis to cut through all the noise and make sense of the spin."

Wilfred Frost says "Sky News is the home for news across all platforms in the UK - but in my view, at breakfast, television remains the best place to digest your news. And I can't wait to be involved in delivering the news that matters to viewers and voters in a fun and friendly way with Kay and the team each day."

King Charles III coronation and concert: Your comprehensive TV guide.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African viewers will be able to watch the coronation of King Charles III today across multiple TV channels, with the unique Coronation Concert attended by the king and done by the BBC, which will be shown on Sunday night.

BBC News (DStv 400 / StarSat 256)), CNN International (DStv 401), Al Jazeera (DStv 406 / StarSat257), BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174), BritBox, Sky News (DStv 402 / StarSat 258) and SABC News (DStv 404) will all show the coronation of King Charles III today.

The unique Coronation Concert from the BBC featuring multiple performers will also be shown live to South African viewers on Sunday night at 21:00 on BBC Lifestyle.

BBC News

The BBC will have a live broadcast of the ceremony today.

"The BBC is committed to giving audiences everywhere a chance to follow the events around the Coronation, live," says Naja Nielsen, BBC News digital director. "We are determined to provide unique, first-hand access to this historic event through our programming and digital content with rich and distinctive coverage, expert analysis and the best video and pictures."

On Saturday BBC News will broadcast the coronation of Charles III live from 8:30. The live broadcast will cover all the ceremonial events as they unfold throughout the day, from the early military movements to the formal processions, and will give audiences a look at the ceremonial route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Kirsty Young will be in a studio at Buckingham Palace and JJ Chalmers will speak to members of the military as they prepare for one of the largest parades in living history. 

Huw Edwards will provide commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey open and Sophie Raworth will be outside speaking to guests as they arrive. Clare Balding will provide commentary for the ceremonial route and Anita Rani will join the gathered crowds.

The coverage will also feature reporting from teams around the world and major Commonwealth nations, who will provide global context and reflect on the legacy of the monarchy.

CNN International

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will lead CNN International's special live coverage of the coronation of King Charles on Saturday beginning 11:00 outside Buckingham Palace with analysis and reporting from Christiane Amanpour and Max Foster.

CNN anchors Richard Quest and Julia Chatterley will contribute to CNN's coverage from the network's London studio alongside CNN royal historian Kate Williams, CNN royal commentators Emily Nash, Sally Bedell Smith and CNN contributor Trisha Goddard. 

They will provide expert analysis and share their unique perspectives on the historic coronation.

CNN reporters will be positioned along the coronation procession route including Bianca Nobilo outside Westminster Abbey, Salma Abdelaziz and Matthew Chance, who will report live from the crowds gathered along the Mall, and Anna Stewart.

CNN reporters will also provide perspective from commonwealth countries including India, Australia and Kenya. CNN's coverage of the coronation will also stream live on its website and app for free worldwide.

Sky News

On Sky News Kay Burley and Anna Botting will host coverage of the historic event, with Sky News royal events commentator Alastair Bruce and Sky News will also stream for free on its website and YouTube channel.

Kay Burley and Anna Botting will lead coverage throughout the day following the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey ahead of the service. Kay will be outside Westminster Abbey speaking to well-wishers and will be joined by historian Sir Anthony Seldon.

Anna will be live from Buckingham Palace at 11:00 with Patrick Harrison, former press secretary of 11 years to King Charles III and Sky News royal event commentator Alastair Bruce. 

Cameras will then follow the procession back to Buckingham Palace where Joanna Lumley will join the team for the famous balcony shots and flypast.

Sky News royal correspondent Laura Bundock will bring insight and analysis, while Sarah-Jane Mee and Kamali Melbourne will be amongst the action reporting live from the crowds on The Mall and other key locations around London.

From 19:00 Mark Austin will reflect on the key moments of a historic day at Buckingham Palace with Kristina Kyriacou, recent press secretary to King Charles III and Lord Simon Woolley, who has worked closely with the King. 

From 22:00 Gillian Joseph will present highlights of the coronation and at 23:00 Jonathan Samuels will do a special highlights hour.

BritBox

The coronation will be shown live and on-demand on the BritBox SA video streaming service, starting with live streaming from 12:00 on Saturday. 

BritBox will show King Charles III: The Coronation, produced by ITN and hosted by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham.

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera's coverage will start at 09:00 on Saturday with Paul Brennan at Westminster, followed by ongoing coverage from 11:00 by Lauren Taylor, also from Westminster, and Jonah Hull and Charlie Angela from Buckingham Palace from 11:00. 

So Rahman will take over anchoring duties of the special event from Buckingham Palace from 17:00.

BBC Lifestyle

The BBC Lifestyle channel will carry a live broadcast of the day's coronation coverage from 08:30 on Saturday morning, done by BBC Studios Productions.

At 20:00 BBC Lifestyle has scheduled the special programme, Charles R: The Making of a Monarch. The programme tells the story of King Charles III's more than seven decades as heir to the throne. During that period, every step of Charles' life was captured on camera and his words recorded: from newsreel to home movies from interviews to documentaries - both about him and by him. This 60 minute documentary brings together a wealth of material, much rarely seen or unseen.

At 21:00 on Saturday night, BBC Lifestyle will have the special programme, Sing for The King: The Search for The Coronation Choir. A very special choir made up from singing groups of all shapes and sizes is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing for King Charles III at the coronation concert.

On Sunday night at 19:30, BBC Lifestyle will show The Coronation: A Day to Remember. It will show moments of King Charles III's coronation, following the procession to Westminster Abbey, the ceremony and the return journey to Buckingham Palace where the newly crowned monarchs greeted the crowds.

On Sunday night at 21:00 BBC Lifestyle will show The Coronation Concert: Live. 

This unique Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of this historic occasion. 

The British pop group Take That, international superstar Lionel Richie, popstar Katy Perry, international opera star Andrea Bocelli, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, singer/songwriter Freya Ridings and classical-soul composer/producer Alexis Ffrench are some of the artists who will be on stage at The Coronation Concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

They will perform in front of King Charles III and 20 000 members of the public and invited guests during the live broadcast.

Queen Elizabeth II funeral: How to watch today's TV and live-stream coverage.

by Thinus Ferreira

While millions of people will line the roads today in London, billions of people are expected to watch the live televised state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey today streamed online and broadcast in over 200 countries, in what is sure to set a new record for the world's most-watched TV event ever. 

The BBC is producing the bulk of today's live feed of the funeral ceremony and will be making use of a whopping 213 HD cameras placed inside Westminster Abbey, as well as St. George's Chapel and Westminster Hall, with 14 outside broadcast (OB) trucks transmitting from 10 different locations.

Here is how viewers in South Africa and across Africa can tune in:

ABC News

America's ABC News on YouTube will live stream the event starting from 11:15 with anchors David Muir and Amy Robach, along with correspondents Ian Pannell, Deborah Robert, James Longman, Maggie Rulli, Lama Hasan and Will Reeve.

Royal contributors are Omid Scobie, Robert Jobson, Imogen Lloyd Webber, Victoria Murphy and Ailsa Anderson.

Al Jazeera (DStv 406 / StarSat 257 / TelkomONE)

Al Jazeera will cover the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II live from 10:00 this morning as part of special Newshour coverage, themed "Queen Elizabeth II: A Final Farewell".

BBC World News (DStv 400 / StarSat 256)

On BBC World News coverage starts at 11:00 led by Huw Edwards, Kirsty Young, Fergal Keane, David Dimbleby and Sophie Raworth.

Allan Little will be inside Westminster Abbey with analysis from royal correspondent Jonny Dymond. From five different points along the procession route Ken Bruce, Mishal Husain, Emma Barnett, Clive Myrie, Adele Roberts, John Murray, Mike Costello, Rachel Burden, Nuala McGovern, Chris Mason, Jamie Coomarasamy, Andrea Catherwood and James Naughtie will do reporting and commentary.

Britbox SA

Britbox will stream live coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, starting today at 10:30. Coverage will also be available to stream on-demand on Tuesday.

CBS News

Live-streamed on cbsnews.com and YouTube, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell will anchor a CBS News Special Report live from London, with royal contributors Tina Brown, Julian Payne, Roya Nikkhah, Amanda Foreman and the former BBC royal correspondent Wesley Kerr.

CNN International (DStv 401)

Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett will be anchoring live from London with special coverage kicking off at 11:00 today, with Christiane Amanpour, Max Foster and Richard Quest in London.

Like the BBC, CNN has reporters stationed throughout London, including at Westminster Abbey and along the procession route and at Windsor Castle.

Nada Bashir, Matthew Chance, Bianca Nobilo, Nic Robertson, Isa Soares, Anna Stewart and Clarissa Ward will provide commentary and reports, with Zain Asher and Julia Chatterley covering from New York.

CNN royal historian Kate Williams, CNN royal commentator Sally Bedell Smith and CNN contributor Trisha Goddard provide expert analysis and insights.

euronews (DStv 414)

euronews will cover the funeral proceedings of Queen Elizabeth live on the channel as well as live-streamed on its website from 11:00.

FOX News (StarSat 261)

FOX News will start live coverage at 10:00 today, with Martha MacCallum anchoring from The Canada Gate at Buckingham Palace. She will be joined by Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt and the British commentator Piers Morgan.

France24 (StarSat 259 / Openview 121 / TelkomONE)

France24 will broadcast the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II live on its TV news channel, with "special edition" live coverage also streamed from 10:00 this morning on France24's YouTube feed.

MSNBC (StarSat 263)

MSNBC's live coverage will start at 09:00 today with Chris Jansing anchoring. From 11:00 Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist and Katty Kay will anchor from London. From 16:00 Andrea Mitchell, Katy Tur and Chris Jansing will anchor MSNBC's special coverage.

NBC News Now

NBC News Now on YouTube and on nbcnews.com will live-stream the funeral ceremony as well, with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Lester Holt anchor special live coverage of the funeral services starting at 11:00 today.

Showmax

Subscribers of MultiChoice's video streaming service across sub-Saharan Africa will be able to live-stream Queen Elizabeth II's on the BBC World News TV channel made available for free until 23 September. The live news channel is available to all Showmax subscribers regardless of their plan.

Sky News (DStv 402)

Sky News starts its special coverage today at 8:00 with anchor Kay Burley live at Westminster Abbey outlining how the day will unfold, with the channel's live feed also available on YouTube.

Anchors Anna Botting and Dermot Murnaghan start at 10:00 and will anchor for the day, with Anna Botting live from Westminster and Dermot Murnaghan reporting live from Windsor Castle as the procession begins to make its way from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, before concluding at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Sky News royal events commentator Alastair Bruce will provide analyses throughout the day. Kay Burley, Sarah Jane Mee and Gillian Joseph will be in the crowds in London and at Windsor Castle throughout the day.

Jayne Secker will be live from Windsor Caste at 18:00. Mark Austin will be anchoring from 20:00 as Sky News reflects on the day from Buckingham Palace with a look back at the events and key moments. 

Sky News will broadcast a round-up show of the day's proceedings and highlights at 22:00 tonight with Johnathan Samuels. Anna Botting will conclude coverage with the News at Ten at 23:00 South African time, live from Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee TV coverage: BBC Lifestyle, Sky News and BBC World News.

by Thinus Ferreira

Viewers who want to follow the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the United Kingdom will be able to tune in to live coverage of various proceedings, as well as TV specials and special coverage on the BBC World News, BBC Lifestyle and Sky News channels.

BBC LIFESTYLE (DStv 174)

BBC Lifestyle will do both live coverage of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations of her 70-year reign, and air 5 special TV documentaries between Saturday 4 June and Monday 6 June.

The Queen Mother (2 episodes), Saturday 4 June 17:00

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother was a wife, monarch, much-loved public figure and one of the most respected members of the British royal family.  This 2-part documentary reveals the dramatic inside story of the Queen Mother's life, highlighting the moments of pain and upheaval that ultimately defined her legacy.

The Queen at War, Saturday 4 June 19:00

This hourlong documentary is an exploration of Queen Elizabeth II’s experiences during the Second World War transformed a teenage princess into Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. 

BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, Saturday 4 June 20:30 (LIVE)

This two and a half hour-long show, broadcast live, is a variety TV special bringing entertainers together for musical performances from a star-studded line-up of artists. 

 Artists include Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, Mabel, Elbow, George Ezra, Duran Duran, Andrea Bocelli, Mimi Webb, Sam Ryder, Jax Jones, Celeste, Nile Rodgers, Sigala and Diversity. 

Other stars appearing at the event and in recorded messages include Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet, Ellie Simmonds, and a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John. Closing the show will be Diana Ross with her first UK live performance in 15 years. 

Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal (2 episodes), Sunday 5 June 17:00 

 This 2-episode documentary profiles Princess Margaret, whose life and loves reflected the social and sexual revolution that transformed Britain during the 20th century. 

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Sunday 5 June 19:05

The coronation of Elizabeth II was an enormous logistical operation, and an event of huge cultural significance. This fascinating documentary reveals the behind the scenes story of the momentous occasion, drawing on hitherto unseen archives and made with the co-operation of Buckingham Palace.

Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen, Monday 6 June 21:00

The territory premiere, Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen, will broadcast on BBC Lifestyle on Monday 6 June at 21:00, featuring never-before-seen home movies of the Queen filmed by the British royal family.

The 75-minute programme produced by BBC Studios shows Elizabeth II as a young girl and tells more of her story and her life as a young princess seen through her eyes and in her own words.

The unique documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of her upbringing and reveals the warmth of her relationship with her parents. 

It captures the first extended visit of Prince Philip to Balmoral in 1946 while the couple's engagement was still not public – a beaming Princess Elizabeth showing the camera her engagement ring. It also shows Princess Elizabeth as a young mother, with the King and Queen as fond grandparents to Prince Charles and Princess Anne. 

BBC WORLD NEWS (StarSat 256 / DStv 400) 

BBC World News will be doing comprehensive coverage in the build-up to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend, covering the official celebrations in London and how communities across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth are marking the occasion.

BBC World News special coverage will start on Thursday 2 June, until Sunday 5 June.

Platinum Jubilee: Trooping the Colour, Thursday 2 June 11:00 - 12:15 (LIVE)

Live coverage of the Queen's birthday parade, consisting of 1 400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians who will be joined by royal family members on horseback and in carriages. Viewers will also get to see the family during the famed "balcony" moment at Buckingham Palace.

BBC News Special: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Thursday 2 June 19:00

An hour-long special by presenter Katty Kay, looking back at the day and forward to the rest of the weekend, include interviews with royal watchers, people partaking in the events, and members of the public.

Platinum Beacons: Lighting up the Jubilee, Thursday 2 June 22:00

The United Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of lighting beacons to celebrate royal weddings, coronations and jubilees. 

BBC World News will be broadcasting the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacons where thousands of candles will be lit by charities and community groups across the UK. A total of 54 Commonwealth beacons will be lit (one in each Commonwealth capital city), and the principal beacon will also be lit – an illumination of a "tree of trees" sculpture at Buckingham Palace.

Platinum Jubilee: A Service of Thanksgiving, Thursday 2 June 11:00

A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London with BBC World News broadcasting outside of Saint Paul's in the morning, moving back to Buckingham Palace in the afternoon. The channel will not be broadcasting live footage of the service due to rights restrictions.

BBC News Special: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Thursday 2 June 18:00

An hour-long special presented by Katty Kay, looking back at the Saint Paul's Cathedral Service of Thanksgiving earlier in the day.

The Big Jubilee Lunch, Sunday 5 June (LIVE)

Over 10 million people in the UK are expected to join the celebrations, with events including world record attempts for the longest street party. The occasion will be marked internationally too, with over 600 lunches planned throughout the Commonwealth and beyond from South Africa to Canada. BBC World News will cover the event live globally from various street parties.

This special coverage will be presented by Annita McVeigh and Martine Croxall.

SKY NEWS (StarSat 258 / DStv 402)

Sky News will be covering the Queen's Jubilee celebrations with build-up programming starting on Thursday 2 June, covering public events and royal moments.

Absolutely Fabulous  actress Joanna Lumley will be a special guest for the famous balcony flypast at Trooping the Colour on Thursday 2 June, before joining Kay Burley and Sky royal commentator Alastair Bruce from 12:00 on Sunday 5 June for a full day of festivities. 

Sky News correspondents will be reporting live from street parties in the country for the Jubilee Big Lunch and from 15:00 on Sunday Joanna Lumley and commentators will cover the Platinum Jubilee Pageant where hundreds of artists, musicians and schoolchildren will come together to perform different chapters of the story of the country's longest-serving monarch.

Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills will be on hand throughout the 4 days of celebration with the latest news and analysis and a series of big-name guests, while royal insiders and people whose lives have been touched by the Queen will join Sky News daily.

Jubilee Breakfast with Kay Burley, Thursday 2 June 8:00 - 11:00

Kay Burley will be live outside Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping The Colour), Thursday 2 June 11:00 - 14:00

Sarah-Jane Mee presents live coverage of Trooping The Colour from outside Buckingham Palace.

The Jubilee Beacon Show, Thursday 2 June 22:00

Gillian Joseph is live at Buckingham Palace as more than 2 000 beacons are lit around the United Kingdom and Commonwealth to mark 70 years of the Queen's reign.

Jubilee Breakfast and Service of Thanksgiving with Kay Burley, Thursday 3 June 8:00 - 14:00

Kay Burley is at St Paul's Cathedral on the day a special service of thanksgiving is held to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Kay will be joined by those taking part in the service as well as Sky News correspondents around the UK.

Jubilee Breakfast, Saturday 4 June 7:00 - 11:00

Kamali Melbourne is outside Buckingham Palace as people around the country mark the third day of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Jubilee Breakfast with Sophy Ridge, Sunday 5 June 7:00 - 11:00

Sophy Ridge is live at Buckingham Palace on the final day of celebrations to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Sophy will be looking ahead to the day's Jubilee pageant, and the many big lunch events taking place around the UK.

The Jubilee Big Lunch, Sunday 5 June 12:00 - 15:00

Kay Burley presents live coverage from around the UK of the many big lunch events taking place to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with special guest Joanna Lumley and Sky royal events commentator Alastair Bruce.

The Jubilee Pageant, Sunday 5 June 16:00 - 19:00

Kay Burley presents live coverage of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in central London, with special guest Dame Joanna Lumley and Sky Royal Events commentator Alastair Bruce.

Sky News correspondent Stuart Ramsay wounded and cameraman shot in violent ambush in Russia's war in Ukraine.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Sky News (DStv 402) chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay was wounded and the cameraman Richie Mockler shot twice during a violent ambush by Russian soldiers near Kyiv in Russia's ongoing invasion and war in Ukraine.

Sky News published the shocking and harrowing account of Stuart Ramsay and the TV news crew online, saying that the "experience illustrates the scale of the mayhem and violence as Russia's invasion enters a new and deadlier phase".

Writing in his first-hand account, Stuart Ramsay says "we were being ambushed by a saboteur Russian reconnaissance squad".

"It was professional, the rounds kept smashing into the car - they didn't miss."

"Producer Martin Vowles, who was driving, got out of the car first, quickly followed by Andrii Lytvynenko, our local producer, leaving me, Richie, and my producer Dominique Van Heerden inside, taking cover in the footwells and across the backseat."

"We knew we had to get out to survive, but the incoming fire was intense."

"Dominique pushed open her door a little further and slipped to the ground, crawling towards a motorway barrier and then dived down a 40-foot embankment, rolling to the bottom."

"Richie was shouting to me, but I can't really remember much.

I do recall wondering if my death was going to be painful," Stuart Ramsay wrote.

"Then I was hit in the lower back. "I've been hit!" I shouted. But what amazed me was that it didn't hurt that bad. It was more like being punched, really."

"It was strange, but I felt very calm. I managed to put my helmet on, and was about to attempt my escape, when I stopped and reached back into a shelf in the door and retrieved my phones and my press card, unbelievably."

"Richie says I then got out of the car and stood up, before jogging to the edge of the embankment and then started running. I lost my balance and fell to the bottom, landing like a sack of potatoes, cutting my face. My armour and helmet almost certainly saved me."

"But Richie was still inside the car. The rounds were ploughing into the car every time he moved. He was actually being protected by the engine block - he knew that."

"He called out, and we shouted at him to come. But then silence. It seemed like an eternity before he emerged over the barrier and jumped down towards us, followed by a hail of gunfire."

"At the bottom, we regrouped. The five of us were alive. We couldn't believe it. We were in shock, no doubt about it. But elated to be alive. Martin said to me, it's a miracle any of us got out, let alone all five of us."

"Still in the firing line, we headed away from the car, using a concrete wall for cover."

You can read the rest and full version of Stuart Ramsay's story on the Sky News website.

Sky News announces a raft of new programmes for 2022, Sophy Ridge returning mid-March from maternity to resume Sunday show and adding Wednesday night show.

by Thinus Ferreira

On Tuesday afternoon Sky News (DStv 402) announced a raft of new programmes

Following the announcement that the Sky News political editor Beth Rigby willhost a new prime time interview show Beth Rigby Interviews from 10 March, Sky News is also returning The Great Debate with Trevor Phillips from Monday 7 February at 23:00 (South African time).

The weekly discussion programme will, once again, give viewers the opportunity to question the decisions that are made about their lives and interrogate the people who make them. 

In addition to this, from early March on Tuesdays at 23:00, Trevor Phillips will try to find Common Ground between two protagonists with entrenched opinions on a topic in the news. 

"At a time when opinion seems noisier and more extreme than ever, Phillips will work to find the middle ground to see what can unite the two opponents," Sky News says.

Sophy Ridge is set to return to Sky News from maternity leave mid-March and will once again welcome viewers at her regular slot of 10:30 every Sunday for her weekly political talk show Sophy Ridge on Sunday. 

Later in 2022 she will also host a new show The Take with Sophy Ridge at 23:00 on Wednesdays. 

Sky News says that The Take is designed to take a mid-week political pulse "As well as hearing from members of parliament, the show will also invite viewers to give their take on the political headlines."

John Ryley, head of Sky News, says in a statement that "Sky News prides itself on its impartial journalism. We see it as our responsibility to present our viewers with dynamic, engaging and balanced programming, offering clarity in an uncertain world".

"These new programmes are designed to highlight the lively debate, discussion and opinion that is a vital part of the Sky News brand. From holding politicians to account to hearing directly from the people at the heart of the stories, our news organisation puts the British public at the heart of what we do."

The Early Rundown on Sky News rebranded with new presenter Kamali Melbourne.

by Thinus Ferreira

Sky News (DStv 402) has rebranded its The Early Rundown morning show on Monday 10 January together with new presenter Kamali Melbourne.

The Early Rundown is broadcast from Sky News' Studio 21 inside the Sky Central building in London.

The Early Rundown is on Sky News on weekdays from 07:00 (South African time) to 09:00.

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."