News on News - Sky News

Sky News' Alex Crawford Recieves OBE in New Year Honours

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:13:52 +0000

Alex Crawford, Sky News' Special Correspondent, has been honoured with an OBE in the New Year Honours List for her services to Broadcast Journalism.

Alex joined Sky News more than twenty years ago when the channel was launched, and has been a foreign correspondent for the last six years. Three times winner of the RTS Journalist of the Year Award, Alex’s reporting of the Libyan conflict this year, was much lauded.

In March Alex and her team were the only journalists to report from the rebel held town of Zawiyah where they witnessed Gaddafi’s troops opening fire on unarmed protesting civilians. In August Alex returned to Zawiyah and there caught a lift with rebels on the back of a truck into Tripoli. Her live report was broadcast to viewers by a manually operated satellite signal and a camera plugged into a cigarette lighter charger.

During her career as a foreign correspondent Alex has reported from Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, including a period of time embedded with the Taliban.

Alex said: ‘I am staggered and honoured and can’t quite believe this is not a prank thought up by one of my more mischievous colleagues . . . TV news is never about just one person. Behind me and beside me are my fellow reporters, producers, camera crews, editors and directors. It’s a genuine team effort and this fantastic accolade is for all of us. ‘

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, commented: ‘I am enormously proud of all that Alex has achieved over her twenty plus years at Sky News. This honour is wholly deserved. Alex’s determination and bravery as a reporter is relentless and this also acts as a testament to journalism at its very best.’

Sky News to Host Exhibition 'Front Line - A Year of Journalism and Conflict'

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:41:52 +0000

Sky News has announced that it will be hosting a month long exhibition in association with Somerset House from January 12th 2012. Front Line: A Year of Journalism & Conflict will take a look at three of the major stories of 2011; The Arab Spring with a focus on revolution in Egypt, the Libyan conflict, and the London riots.

The multimedia exhibition will offer a unique insight into the editorial, political and human aspects of some of the most extraordinary events of our time. The walls of the gallery will feature stills taken from Sky News HD footage and original video including live reports and packages that will play on screens throughout the space. Visitors will also be able to browse content on a series of iPads that will feature background interviews with the journalists, editors and producers who worked on these stories as well as timelines, maps and photo galleries.

A specially commissioned installation will focus on coverage of the death of Colonel Gaddafi and highlight the issues facing news organisations in authenticating and broadcasting often deeply disturbing images to the public .

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘This year has been an exceptional one for news. The exhibition will highlight the challenges of reporting from conflict zones, both home and abroad, and how vital a reporters role is in revealing the truth.’

Gwyn Miles, Director, Somerset House Trust commented: ‘We aim to make the programme at Somerset House reflect what is happening in the world today. We are thrilled to be working with Sky News on this exhibition which will go behind the scenes of some of the past year’s most dramatic news stories – from how news is captured on the front line to how it is presented to the wider public.’

Front Line: A Year of Journalism & Conflict will run from Thursday 12th to Sunday 5th February in Somerset House’s Embankment Galleries and will be free to the public.

For further information please visit http://www.somersethouse.org.uk.

Eamonn Holmes Signs New Three Year Deal as Host of Sky News Sunrise

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:47:54 +0000

Sky News has announced that Sunrise anchor, Eamonn Holmes, will continue to host his breakfast show in a three-year deal.

Since Eamonn joined Sky News in 2005, Sunrise has seen viewing figures grow by 140% as well as being the most popular show on Sky News.

In the last year Eamonn and his team – presenter Charlotte Hawkins, sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao and weather reporters Isobel Lang and Nazaneen Ghaffar – have seen their audience grow by 21%.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘Eamonn and his Sunrise team are a favourite with our viewers. The show has consistently high ratings and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching it develop over the last six years. Eamonn is a true pro and will continue to present Sunrise with wit and flair.’

Eamonn commented: ‘I’ve had a really fulfilling six years at Sky News. I have a tremendous team on Sunrise and we know from our audience feedback that people enjoy starting their day with the way we deliver the news. I look forward to helping to grow our morning audience and for those who haven’t given us a try, all I can say is “Switch to Sky”.’

The announcement has ended speculation that Holmes was considering a return to ITV's morning sofa, with the imminent departure of current hosts, Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley expected to be announced.

Sky News Wins Twice at Foreign Press Association Media Awards

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:42:12 +0000

Sky News has won two prestigious Foreign Press Association Media Awards in the News TV and Web Innovation categories, winning both accolades they were nominated for.

The News TV Award was given to Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, Deputy Foreign Editor Tim Miller and Cameraman Martin Smith for Battle for Zawiyah. The award winning report exposed Gaddafi’s regime opening fire on unarmed protesting civilians in the Libyan city. Sky News beat two Channel 4/ITN reports to win the category.

The judges commented that the “Battle for Zawiyah was a very powerful piece, filmed in incredibly difficult and dangerous circumstances, that moved the world and offered Paris and London proof of what Gaddafi was up to. Alex Crawford and her team were the only Western Journalists in the Lybian Town of Zawiyah when Colonel Gaddafi’s forces unleashed a huge assault on the civilian population. Her report provided the first independent evidence gathered by a Western journalist that Gaddafi was firing on innocent civilians.”

Sky News for iPad, which launched in March, also won the Web Innovation Award, beating off competition from The Guardian and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The judges described the app as “truly ground breaking”, enabling users to “look at the news in a different way with outstanding quality of images and well-chosen graphics and was the first time the iPad language had been used for news.”

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, commented: ‘These are two fantastic awards for us. This year has been a phenomenal one for international news, and Alex, Tim and Martin’s report from Zawiyah was journalism at its absolute best. Winning the Web Innovation Award is also testament to the team here who have created a world-class news app like no other out there.’

Earlier this year Alex Crawford was named RTS Journalist of the Year for a third time, and Sky News was named News Channel of the Year for the eighth time. Battle for Zawiyah also won a Golden Nymph Award at the Monte Carlo Television Awards in June.

Jeff Randall Live to Air Twice Daily This Week

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:17:01 +0000

Sky News' prominent daily business news show, Jeff Randall Live, will be airing twice a day Monday to Thursday this week as the Eurozone debt crisis continues to develop.

The show will air a morning edition at 9am, and also continue to air in it's usual timeslot of 7pm.

Both editions of the show will be presented from Sky News' state of the art studios in the Gherkin building in the City of London.

Sky News' Alex Crawford Recieves James Cameron Award

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:19:57 +0000

Sky News Special Correspondent, Alex Crawford, was announced as the recipient of the James Cameron Memorial Award for 2011 at City University London last Thursday evening, in recognition of her significant contribution to reporting on the Middle East and, in particular, Libya.

The award is given in memory of prominent British journalist James Cameron, who passed away in 1985. It includes a prize of £1,000 awarded by the James Cameron Memorial Trust and is given before the annual James Cameron Memorial Lecture held at City.

This year the Cameron Lecture was given by Wadah Khanfar, who was until recently Director-General of the Aljazeera Network and spoke about "Journalism and a World in Transition".

In presenting the award, Professor George Brock, Head of Journalism at City University London, said that each year the prize was given “to a British journalist working on international affairs who, in the opinion of the judges, demonstrates James Cameron’s qualities in her or his work and shows professional integrity and moral courage.”

Alex Crawford is based in South Africa, reporting from across the continent, but is also deployed around the world.

Formerly based in Sky’s Dubai bureau, Alex has reported on the Gulf and the Middle East, most recently covering the August uprisings in Libya, where Alex and her team were the first journalists into Tripoli, providing riveting coverage of the rebel advance. In March Alex and her crew where the only journalists to get inside the besieged town of Zawiya when it was being attacked by pro-Gaddafi forces.

Following her reports on the Mumbai terror attacks from outside the Taj Hotel in November 2008, coming under fire live on air, Sky News was shortlisted for a BAFTA and won the coveted international Golden Nymph Award for News Coverage.

On hearing that she had received the award, Alex said: “James Cameron epitomises everything I aspire to be – a journalist of incredible integrity, grit and authority. Frankly, to be mentioned in the same breath as him is both astonishing to me and a massive honour. Thank you for this recognition. It means a lot.”

Professor Brock said: “During her career Alex has shown very great determination and courage. She has been arrested, detained, interrogated and faced live bullets and tear gas, going well beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the truth and the news. She is an outstanding role model for not only City journalism students embarking on their career, but for the sector as a whole.”

The award was collected on Alex’s behalf by Sarah Whitehead, Sky’s Head of International News.

Sky News Reveals 2011 Politicos Top Trumps

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:19:45 +0000

Sky News reveals its 2011 Politicos Top Trumps, the must-have party conference accessory.

This year it is all about the New Generation, familiar faces who have haunted the pack for some time have been banished, making way for the fresh-faced new kids on the block who dominate the deck.

Categories include twitter followers*, debates attended in session*, career potential, gaffability and everyone’s favourite – fanciability.

Tweeting has been taken up by the majority of MPs with Ed Miliband leading with nearly 80,000 followers. Snapping at his heels is Deputy PM, Nick Clegg on 63,716 and Ed’s older brother David on 58,988. The Tories are less inclined to tweet with eight of their MPs in the pack following the Prime Minister’s declaration that ‘too many tweets makes a . . .’ by not tweeting at all.

Nick Clegg leads in the gaffability stakes after a wobbly year u-turning on tuition fees and a painful rejection of AV in the May referendum. He scored full marks with 20/20. Following him closely is Danny Alexander on 18/20 and Ed Miliband, Rory Stewart and Ed Vaizey all on 16/20.

Luciana Berger is the biggest swot, leading the field by attending 98 debates in session*, leaving Jeremy Hunt on 8 sessions looking like a serial truant.

Career Potential sees David Cameron as Prime Minister on a firm 10/10. According to our esteemed judges the Tories in the pack also making their mark are George Osborne and Matthew Hancock both on 9/10. Ed Miliband should be concerned that on 7/10 the Sky News Top Trump panel believed that Ed Balls, Rachel Reeves and David Miliband all on 8/10 look to have a stronger future than him in the Labour party. His Top Trump nemesis though is Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who is seemingly the runaway talent in the Labour party with 9/10.

It is an MP who makes his Top Trumps debut who stole the hearts of our wider judging panel. Labour Backbencher and ex-Para Dan Jarvis stormed to the top with a whopping 96% in the fanciability poll. David Cameron (81%), Dominic Raab (91%), David Miliband (84%) and Chuka Umunna (90%) all get pulses racing too. The ladies all score well with the raven haired Luciana Berger stealing the show on 90%. Other beauties scoring highly are Priti Patel (74%), Louise Mensch (76%), Penny Mordaunt (75%), Charlotte Leslie (83%) and Gloria De Piero (72%).

Adam Boulton, Sky News Political Editor, commented: ‘As ever this was a tough decision process, especially because we’ve aimed to look ahead to the new generation of MPs making their mark on the political landscape. It’s been a difficult year for some of our most senior politicians, and many who last year were seen as Top Trumps institutions, have failed to make the grade.’

The Sky News Politicos Top Trumps 2011 was put together by a panel of leading political journalists. Joining Adam Boulton on the judging panel were Anushka Asthana, The Times, Andrew Pierce, The Daily Mail, Andrew Porter, The Telegraph, James Forsyth, The Spectator, Tom Newton Dunn, The Sun and Joey Jones, Katie Snape and Sophy Ridge of Sky News.

Sky News Launches Windows Phone App

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:07:38 +0000

Sky News has announced that it has launched a new free app for Windows Phone.

The app, which has been developed in partnership with Microsoft, combines all of Sky News’ rich content with the design language of Windows Phone.

Key Features include:

• Latest news feeds - video & text
• Live TV
• Video & radio bulletins
• Your Report
• Facebook and Twitter article sharing

The app allows users to watch live Sky News on their mobile, stay up to date with breaking national and international news and send stories direct from their phone to the newsroom.

James Weeks, Executive Producer, Sky News Interactive, commented: “This app merges all the best bits of our brand, design and content with the look and feel of Windows Phone. We are delighted with the development of this product and believe it further demonstrates Sky News’ commitment to provide content to ever-growing news platforms. “

Nick Hedderman, Head of Consumer Marketing, Windows Phone UK, added: “Seeing Sky News’ great news content brought to life for mobile phone users by the unique Windows Phone user interface is very exciting. Windows Phone users will be very happy.”

Over 4 million people have now downloaded Sky News mobile applications, via, iPhone, Android and iPad.

The app is available to download in the in UK and Ireland from the Windows Phone Marketplace at http://marketplace.windowsphone.com and Windows Phone is available across the UK’s five leading mobile operators; Orange, O2, Vodafone, Three and T-Mobile.

Sky News Appoints Peter Lowe as Managing Editor

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:03:28 +0000

Sky News has appointed Peter Lowe to the position of Managing Editor. Peter will be responsible for people and performance management as well as recruitment across Sky News.

He is also tasked with ensuring greater synergy across multiple platforms at the channel including TV, radio, online, mobile and iPad, endeavouring to create greater flexibility across the editorial team in the ever changing media environment. Peter will also expand on his role dealing with regulation and editorial standards.

Peter joined Sky News in 1998 and was formerly Assistant Editor. Previous to that he was Sky’s Executive Producer at Westminster through the 2001 and 2005 General Elections.

Chris Birkett, Executive Editor and Deputy Head of Sky News, commented: ‘Peter is a key part of the senior team here at Sky News. Our organisation is constantly evolving and Peter will ensure our hugely talented team continue to develop with us, as well as creating a more collaborative approach across the newsroom.’

Sky News Publishes First Five Hours of 9/11 TV Coverage

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:40:37 +0000

As part of a series of reports by Sky News marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the British news channel and sister network of Fox News, has published the first five hours of it's coverage from the day.

The footage, which has been notoriously hard to track down in recent years, has been published on the channel's website, skynews.com

The footage follows on from efforts by the Internet Archive, who have published an interactive timeline of several US and international networks' coverage of the events of September 11th and the immediate aftermath.

Sky News - 9/11 As It Happened
Internet Archive - Understanding 9/11

Sky News Approaches Ken Clarke on Cameras in Court Campaign

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:31:32 +0000

Head of Sky News, John Ryley, has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Justice as part of the news channel's continuing campaign to allow camera's in courtrooms.

Dear Mr Clarke,

The controversy over sentencing policy following the recent riots has once again illustrated the lack of transparency in our judicial system. The public is unsurprisingly confused by the discrepancies in some of the sentences handed down to those involved in the rioting and looting.

I believe that if television cameras were allowed to broadcast the remarks made by judges when they pass sentence, it would go a long way to making the process more transparent and would dramatically improve public confidence in the system. This video would also of course be shown on websites and other digital platforms.

You will recall that Sky News, along with the BBC and ITN, made this proposal when we met you last year. We also suggested televising judgments in civil cases. At the time you said you were interested in the proposal. You added that you “believed it was consistent with the Government’s commitment to enable the public to better understand decisions that may affect or interest them hold politicians and public bodies to account…”

You indicated that you intended to consult the various interested parties before you could contemplate a change in the law. Eight months have now passed, but the law remains in place and television cameras are still excluded from every part of the judicial process in England and Wales, except the Supreme Court. Incidentally, you may have noticed that Sky News has been streaming the proceedings of the Supreme Court live on its website and they have been viewed by an average of 90,000 individuals a day.

We believe it is time that television cameras were allowed into all courts, starting with the televising of sentencing remarks and judgments. The audio would also be available to be used in radio news and current affair programmes and online.

Since this is a matter of public interest I am releasing this letter to the Press Association.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

John Ryley
Head of Sky News

Sky News to Air Live Debate on UK Riots

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Tonight Sky News will be hosting a special debate regarding the riots across the country.

Why are they rioting? an hour long special programme will go out at 8pm and will be hosted and chaired by Sky News anchor, Colin Brazier.

The debate will be divided into three sections: Why are they rioting? Who do we blame? What can we do about it?

Interspersed throughout the debate will be international and regional commentary from across England. The programme will open with Sky News’ international correspondent, Emma Hurd, who has come back to the UK after 10 years to deliver a special report on the rioting that has taken place regionally.

Viewers will be able to join in the debate by voting online via a Sky News poll: Why are they rioting? Protest or Greed. The vote will feature on screen throughout the debate so viewers can see opinion and any change in sentiment.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: “We have seen an extraordinary outburst of violence in London and other cities across England. This debate will look at getting to the bottom of what's caused the unrest and no doubt bring up the questions many people want answered.”

Jonathan Levy Appointed Sky News Head of News Gathering

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:43:42 +0000

Jonathan Levy has been appointed Head of News Gathering at Sky News.

The position is one of the most important within the newsroom and sees Jonathan in charge of how Sky News delivers the news agenda to viewers across the UK and 115 countries around the world.

Jonathan will work closely alongside John Ryley, Head of Sky News, and Chris Birkett, Executive Editor and Deputy Head of Sky News, to ensure the channel remains first for breaking news and analysis across all its platforms – TV, online, mobile, radio and iPad.

Jonathan joined Sky News in 2002 from NBC London. He has been in charge of Sky News’ political operation for the past six years, leading on the coverage for the last two general elections, being a key figure in Sky’s negotiation team to broadcast the ground-breaking leaders’ debates, and having responsibility for Sky News’ state-of the-art Westminster studio.

John Ryley commented: ‘Jonathan is a first rate journalist and his role is absolutely vital within the organisation. This year has been one of the most successful in Sky News’ history – and I know Jonathan will work tirelessly to ensure that this continues.’

Jonathan will begin his role in August.

News Corp Withdraws Plans to Spin off Sky News as a Result of UK Government Actions

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:36:26 +0000

News Corporation has announced that should the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport go through with his announcement to Parliament that he will refer the planned acquisition of BSkyB, that the company will withdaw its undertaking to spin off Sky News.

The move throws possible doubt into the future of the UK's first news network, and sister channel to Fox News in the United States, especially as the UK government has already given the view that News Corp would not be able to acquire BSkyB without the disposal of Sky News.

In a statement, News Corporation said;

"News Corporation today announces that it is withdrawing its proposed undertakings in lieu of reference to the Competition Commission with respect to its proposed acquisition of BSkyB.

"Should the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport decide on this basis to refer the proposed transaction to the Competition Commission for a detailed review, News Corporation is ready to engage with the Competition Commission on substance.

"News Corporation continues to believe that, taking into account the only relevant legal test, its proposed acquisition will not lead to there being insufficient plurality in news provision in the UK."

Sky News is not thought to be at immediate risk of closure, however as Rupert Murdoch has shown in the past week, he is not unwilling to flex his muscles and close a leading news brand in the UK in order to reach his aims.

Last Thursday, it was announced that the UK's leading Sunday newspaper, the News of the World would close, leading to the loss of over 200 jobs.

Sky News Remains European News Channel of Choice

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:09:48 +0000

Sky News remains the most-watched news channel each day by up-market Europeans, according to the results of the 2011 European Media and Marketing Survey (EMS).

This year Sky News has also achieved the highest weekly reach of all the news and business channels across the 23 international channels measured, jumping over CNN International and Euronews to take the number one slot.

Conducted by Synovate, the study measures the media habits of affluent Europeans, representing 13% of the European population across 20 countries. It is regarded to be the richest source of data relevant to the Pan European advertising sales community.

With a reach of 2.5 million viewers per day, and 7.4 million viewers per week, Sky News holds a significant lead over all its main competitors, including BBC World News and CNBC. Sky News reaches 5.3% of the audience, with Euronews its closest competitor at 3.4%, followed by CNN International at 3.1% and BBC World News at 2.8%. Sky News achieved a weekly reach of 15.7% with BBC World News reaching 12.5%.

Sky News also remains the news channel of choice for Europe's super-elite, as measured by the EMS Select Survey. In this sub-group comprising the top 3% of Europeans, Sky News not only retains its position as the top rated news and business channel with a daily reach of 7.6% (up from 6.9% in 2010) it has also become the number one weekly news and business channel with a reach of 22.5% (up from 19.9% in 2010).

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘These EMS results have shown just what a great 12 months Sky News has enjoyed, and I’m delighted by the lift in our viewing figures. Our team work tirelessly to bring the latest breaking news and analysis to our viewers across the world, and I’m thrilled to see that we have made such a significant impact across this elite group of people.’

Sky News Appoints Ed Conway to New Role of Economics Editor

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:20:05 +0000

Ed Conway has been appointed to the new role of Economics Editor for Sky News.

Ed will join Sky News’ business unit and will bring viewers the latest news and analysis on the UK and global economy. The appointment comes at a time when the state of the economy is at the top of the news agenda and Ed’s reports will offer viewers an in-depth look on how it will directly impact their lives.

He will work alongside Sky’s influential business team including Business Presenter Jeff Randall, City Editor Mark Kleinman, Business Correspondent Dharshini David and Business Presenter Joel Hills. Ed’s reports will feature heavily across Sky News’ business bulletins and he will contribute regularly to Jeff Randall Live on weekday evenings (7pm to 8pm). He will also play an integral role in Sky’s coverage of major landmark stories throughout the year including the Chancellor’s Budget, and pre-budget report.

For the past year Ed has been on a Fulbright Scholarship at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Previous to this he was Economics Editor at The Daily Telegraph and before that Economics Correspondent at the Daily Mail.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Ed Conway on board. The economic landscape has never been more important to our viewers. Ed has a strong track record for breaking major economic and business stories and I have confidence that he will make a real impact delivering the latest news to our audience with authority, clarity and enthusiasm.’

Ed will also create content for Sky News’ multimedia platforms including skynews.com, Sky News Radio and Sky News for iPad. He starts his role in August.

Sky News Scoops Two Golden Nymph Awards at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival

news@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:14:24 +0000

Sky News has been awarded two prestigious Golden Nymph Awards at the 51st Monte-Carlo Television Festival on Friday.

Sky won Best TV News Item for Battle for Zawiyah, Alex Crawford’s account of being trapped in the Libyan town where Gaddafi’s troops opened fire on unarmed protesting civilians. Alex along with cameraman, Martin Smith, and deputy foreign editor, Tim Miller, were the only journalists to reach the town and expose the story.

Sky beat Channel 4 News, ITV News and BBC News who all had nominations in this category.

Sky News also won Best 24-Hour News Programme for its coverage of the stepping down of President Mubarak in Egypt. Sky News anchor, Andrew Wilson, and reporters Stuart Ramsay, Dominic Waghorn, Tim Marshall and Alex Crawford all contributed to the dramatic coverage of this key moment in the ongoing news story of the Arab Spring. Sky beat off competition from CNN International and other European channels to win the category.

Sarah Whitehead, Head of Foreign News, commented: ‘This is a fantastic achievement for our foreign coverage which has been world-class throughout the uprisings in the Middle East. This year we have seen some of the most dramatic news events in recent times and our teams have worked tirelessly to bring these stories to our viewers across the world. I’m thrilled they are enjoying the recognition they deserve.’

Earlier this year Alex Crawford was named RTS Journalist of the Year for a record third time, and Sky News was named News Channel of the Year for the eighth time.

Sky News Appoints Andrew Hawken as Head of Digital Media

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:11:25 +0000

Andrew Hawken has been appointed Head of Digital Media for Sky News, working across all its digital platforms – Skynews.com, interactive TV, Sky News mobile services, and the recently launched Sky News for iPad.

Andrew will work with the channel’s editorial and technical teams as they continue to develop the channel’s multi-platform offerings. He will oversee Sky News’ award-winning website Skynews.com, and mobile services, including the RTS award-winning iPhone app, now downloaded over two and a half million times, and named in Apple’s top ten free UK apps of all time. Andrew will also be responsible for Sky News for iPad - a ground-breaking app that allows users to fully immerse themselves in their chosen stories via live video, expert analysis and rich interactive graphics.

Head of Sky News, John Ryley, said: “Andrew’s huge wealth of editorial and new media experience puts him in prime position to drive forward Sky News’ digital offering. Sky News has always been at the forefront of the digital media arena and I’m confident Andrew will guarantee its future success.”

Andrew joined BSkyB as Editorial Director for Sky’s online portal in October 2006. During his time in the role, Andrew helped to grow unique users across the network by nearly 50 per cent to over 10 million per month, making it one of the most popular network of websites in the UK. Andrew has over 28 years experience in journalism, including a ground-breaking stint as general manager of MSN.com, where he was in charge of editorial, planning and product development for the homepage.

Sky News Announces Election Night Coverage and Referendum Special

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Thu, 05 May 2011 13:52:41 +0000

From 2230 on Thursday 5 May, Sky News’ political editor Adam Boulton will be hosting an overnight results programme with full coverage and all the results from the English Council, Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament elections as they happen.

Adam will be in the Sky News Centre with top political guests, as well as Sky News’ election analyst, Professor Michael Thrasher.

There will also be an interactive element where twitter will be integrated into the live coverage online and on air as never seen before. Sky News will have reporters at key locations in England, Scotland and Wales.

On Friday 6 May from 1600, Adam will be handling the results of the crucial AV referendum from the Electoral Commission results headquarters at the Excel Centre in London’s Docklands.

Sky News Election Night Special, from 2230 Thursday 5 May 2011 and Sky News Alternative Vote Referendum Special from 1600 on Friday 6 May 2011 on Sky News HD (channel 501) skynews.com and Sky News for iPad.

Sky News Sees Record Viewing Figures for Royal Wedding Coverage

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:00:46 +0000

Sky News enjoyed record figures for the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday 29th April.

The coverage, led by Sunrise’s Eamonn Holmes, was viewed by millions of people across multiple platforms.

Sky News had a highest programme audience of 661,000 with an all-day share increase of 142% on average figures, taking the Royal Wedding into the top 20 viewing figures in Sky News’ history. Skynews.com had over 970,000 million unique users, nearly double an average day, which led to 5.8 million page impressions.

Over 35,000 customers enjoyed coverage via Sky News’ ground-breaking iPad app, the best single day performance since the service launched six weeks ago and 225% higher than the daily average. Sky News mobile services saw over 590,000 unique users creating over 4.9 million page views - a 57% increase in comparison to the monthly average.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘Our team did a world-class job delivering the Royal wedding to our viewers across multiple platforms. Our coverage was celebratory and fun and our record figures reflect just how much our audiences enjoyed it too.’

Sky’s Royal Wedding anchor, Eamonn Holmes, commented: ‘For me the highlight of the day was the feeling of happiness. Maybe not the strongest feeling or emotion but on the day it was contagious.’

Over 160 members of staff helped to deliver Sky News’ coverage of the Royal Wedding which started at 6am and continued throughout the day, including a special programme entitled ‘Your Royal Wedding’ which allowed viewers to send in their own experiences of the royal wedding via video.

Sky News Hosts Monarchy Debate on Eve of Royal Wedding

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:15:27 +0000

At 8pm tonight Sky News will be holding a debate titled Monarchy in the UK.

The debate, hosted by Sky News’ Political Editor, Adam Boulton, will see monarchists and republicans discussing the future, and relevance, of the British monarchy.

Guests include historian Dr David Starkey and Andrew Morton, Princess Diana’s biographer, in favour of the royal family, and journalists Yasmin Alibhai- Brown and David Aaronovitch in favour of reform.

Other contributors include author Kathy Lette, activist and journalist Julie Bindel and Patricia Yates from Visit Britain, the tourism authority.

A twitter poll will run alongside the debate where tweeters can vote either #goroyal or #noroyal.

The debate will take place at Sky News’ temporary studio outside Buckingham Palace, where the Sky News presenting team will be based ahead of the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on Friday.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, comments: ‘As the nation gets swept up in royal wedding mania we will be looking at the relevance of the royal family and whether they have a future in this country. Be prepared for some radical and very different opinions from our guests.’

Sky News’ multi-media coverage of the Royal Wedding begins at 6am on Friday.

Sky News Announces Alex Crawford to Head South Africa Bureau

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:49:17 +0000

Sky News has today announced that Alex Crawford, Special Correspondent and three time winner of the prestigious RTS Journalist of the Year Award, will take up a new posting in Johannesburg this summer.

Alex, currently based in Dubai, has spent the year covering the tumultuous uprisings in North Africa and the Middle-East. Alex has underlined her world class credentials in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, and most notably, reporting form the stricken Libyan cities of Zawiya and Misratah. Alex’s new role will see her return to the continent where she grew up to cover news across Africa. She will also continue to be deployed on big stories around the world.

In other foreign bureau moves, Chief Correspondent, Stuart Ramsay, will transfer from Delhi to the Dubai bureau, whilst Emma Hurd vacates Johannesburg for Jerusalem as Middle East Correspondent. Both Stuart and Emma will cover the constant breaking news across the region

Sky’s Dominic Waghorn is to leave Jerusalem to take up the role of US Correspondent, replacing Robert Nisbet who will move to Brussels as Europe Correspondent. Alex Rossi, meanwhile, takes up the post of India Correspondent based in Delhi

Sky News has appointed Five News’ Jonathan Samuels to join its foreign team as Australia Correspondent. He replaces Ian Woods who returns to Sky News in the UK after successfully setting up the bureau last year.

Sarah Whitehead, Head of International News for Sky News, commented: “It’s been an incredibly busy start to the year for foreign stories and it doesn’t look like its going to slow down anytime soon. Our re-formed teams will bring the best news stories from every region to viewers at home and around the world, and will, no doubt, continue to generate award-winning foreign news coverage.”

All foreign correspondent bureau moves will take place during the summer.

Sky News Announce Royal Wedding Coverage Hosted by Eamonn Holmes

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:05:35 +0000

Sky News has announced its plans for their coverage of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday 29th April.

Hosted by Sunrise’s Eamonn Holmes, Sky News will begin their coverage from 6am with Dermot Murnaghan, and will bring all the regal glory of the day to their viewers across multiple platforms.

Eamonn will be leading the coverage from a purpose-built studio outside Buckingham Palace where he will be joined by Royal Correspondent, Sarah Hughes. She will be on the ground talking to some of the millions of well-wishers expected to line the streets.

Kay Burley will head up coverage live from Westminster Abbey, catching the first glimpse of the couple as man and wife. Alastair Bruce, Sky News’ Royal Commentator, as well as officer of arms to the Queen, will be alongside her. Alistair’s detailed knowledge of royal protocol will help viewers understand the traditions of the day.

Sky’s Anna Botting, will be hosting a live screening event on London’s Southbank for public figures, friends of the royal couple, charities and other key opinion formers.

A host of other Sky News presenters and reporters will be lining the route talking to the crowds as the couple make their way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. Sky News will also hear from the public across the UK including St Andrews, where the couple were at university, Anglesey, where they now live and Bucklebury, Kate Middleton’s home village.

The brand new Sky News for iPad will also offer a unique way of watching the wedding with live coverage, video highlights and state of the art graphics that provide the back story to the royal romance. Users will be able to rewind the live service as and when they want. Sky News’ award winning app for the iPhone and Android will also have live coverage and video highlights.

Sky News has also created a special initiative entitled, Your Royal Wedding. The channel will be asking viewers to send their experiences of the royal wedding via video, whether in the crowds on the route through London, at a street party in the UK, or around the world, or in fact ignoring the celebrations altogether. These videos will form an hour long programme of user generated content to be shown at 9pm on the evening of the wedding. Other videos will also be shown on skynews.com throughout the day alongside interactive maps, guides and photo galleries. Presenters and correspondents will be tweeting throughout the day.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘Sky News HD and Eamonn Holmes will be bringing the Royal Wedding to our viewers in multiple ways across all our platforms, allowing them to choose how to watch the big day. Our coverage will newsy, celebratory and fun. ‘

Eamonn added: ‘I hope they get the weather they deserve, I hope they get the goodwill they deserve, I hope they get the happy loving life they deserve, but on top of that I hope I can give them and the TV audience the presentation they deserve!”

Sky News Releases iPad App

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:31:50 +0000

Sky News has announced its Sky News App for iPad, a ground-breaking app that allows users to control their own interactive news service, is available on the App Store.

Designed and built exclusively for iPad, and supported by a dedicated editorial team, Sky News for iPad aims to meet the growing demand for accessing breaking news on the go. The app gives users a new way to get their news - via live video, expert analysis and rich interactive graphics.

Sky News for iPad lives in real-time, blending breaking news from around the world with a range of interactive options which allow users to fully immerse themselves in their chosen stories. Users can select from live and on-demand video and then dive deeper by accessing supporting graphics, photo galleries, graphs and articles that provide extra context and analysis. The app allows users to rewind live video, even if they have missed the beginning of the story. What’s more, live video is immediately available to replay once it finishes – through an instantly updated video-on-demand library.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News , commented: “We pride ourselves on being an innovative, brave and mould-breaking news service, and work hard to give our audiences access to news on their terms. Having delivered content across digital, online and mobile, iPad was the next logical platform on which to break new ground. With more and more of our viewers embracing mobile devices to stay connected to the news, the launch of Sky News for iPad is one of the most important developments in Sky News’ history.”

Ryley continues, “We challenged ourselves by coming up with new ways to deliver news to our users, taking advantage of the unique features and functionality of iPad. We wanted to bring users more control and flexibility to how they view and interact with the news they want. The result is Sky News for iPad.”

Sky News for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore . The app will be free, but moves to a paid, monthly subscription in the near future for non-Sky customers, available through In-App Purchase. Sky's 10.1 million customers will be able to continue to access the app's content as part of their Sky subscription.

As part of the Sky Mobile TV service, Sky News has been available as a live streaming channel since 2005. The channel is also the main provider of syndicated news across the UK and Ireland’s main mobile phone networks.

News Corporation Announce Details of How Sky News will be Spun Off

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:09:30 +0000

News Corporation has welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport that he is minded to accept, and open a public consultation on, the undertakings proposed by News Corporation in lieu of a reference of its proposed acquisition of BSkyB to the Competition Commission.

The undertakings provide for Sky News to be spun off as a UK publicly-traded company, with News Corporation retaining a 39-percent stake. This will preserve Sky News as a distinct media enterprise with a majority of independent directors.

While News Corporation continues to believe that the proposed acquisition of the shares in BSkyB that it does not already own will not result in insufficient plurality for any audience in the UK, it has submitted this comprehensive proposal in order to avoid a lengthy and costly review by the Competition Commission.

News Corporation notes Ofcom's opinion to the Secretary of State that "we consider that the revised proposed undertakings would address the plurality concerns identified in our report of 31 December 2010".

News Corporation would effect the structure below following the acquisition:

Sky News will be spun off as an independent UK public limited company with its shares publicly traded.
Shares in the new company will be distributed to shareholders of BSkyB in the same proportions as their shareholding in BSkyB. As a result, News Corporation would retain the same shareholding in Sky News as it currently holds in BSkyB – a 39-percent economic interest and 37-percent voting interest.
BSkyB will provide a 10-year carriage agreement which will give the new company a substantial long-term revenue stream.
BSkyB will license the Sky News brand to the new company and will also provide facilities and support services on arms-length terms.

The new company's governance structure will include:

A Board with a majority of independent non-executive directors.
An independent non-executive Chairman.
A commitment to the principle of editorial independence and integrity which will be enshrined in the articles of association.
Approval by the Board of the hiring and firing of the Editor of Sky News.
A Corporate Governance and Editorial Committee, including an independent Board member with senior editorial and/or journalistic experience, which will be responsible for overseeing compliance and advising the Board on provisions relating to editorial independence.

Foreign Secretary William Hague Discusses Situation in the Middle East on 'Murnaghan'

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:25:55 +0000

Foreign Secretary William Hague talked about the latest developments in the Middle East in an interview with Dermot Murnaghan on Sky News.

Dermot Murnaghan: Well then as Alex Rossi’s just been telling us, the most shocking events so far in the turmoil sweeping the Middle East are unfolding in Libya with reports that Colonel Gaddafi’s security forces have been machine gunning protestors in the city of Benghazi.

Those who’ve been able to get their voices heard with communications largely cut off have made a desperate appeal for help from the outside world.

Well joining us now from Darlington is the Foreign Secretary William Hague. A very good morning to you Foreign Secretary, well what help …

William Hague: Good morning.

Dermot Murnaghan: … can the UK offer these people in Libya?

William Hague: Well I think it’s very important first of all to make clear that the world is watching, despite the fact that TV cameras don’t have access, that we can’t see on your screens images such as we’ve seen from Egypt and Bahrain, we can’t see those things from Libya because it is such a closed society to the, to the international media. Nevertheless the world is watching and will find out in due course what has happened there and I think we have to increase the international pressure and condemnation. The United Kingdom condemns what the, what the Libyan Government has been doing and how they have responded to these protests and we look to other countries to do the same. So I will be raising that at the meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers which takes place in Brussels tomorrow. We’ll be encouraging Arab countries too to voice their condemnation of these actions. The best way forward is, is dialogue in all of these situations and that is what we are asking for.

Dermot Murnaghan: Dialogue with Gaddafi, a dictator. The UK’s being trying to normalise relations I suppose with him over recent years, there was the release of Abdelbaset al Megrahi, oil deals et cetera. Isn’t this showing us that the old rule applies, the rule from the 1930s, you cannot appease a dictator.

William Hague: Yes it, it does show that and that’s why I feel very comfortable using strong language about the behaviour of the Libyan Government. I think we should recognise however that the improvement in relations with Libya from the, during the 1990s did help to ensure that Libya stopped pursuing a nuclear programme, weapons of mass destruction programme. So there were important gains for the international community in trying to normalise relations with Libya. So I, I don’t think we should regard that as a mistake, but certainly in this situation where disorder has broken out, where people are trying to protest and pursue legitimate political grievances and they are met with sniper fire, with machine guns, with heavy weapons. There is evidence, there are reports of the use of artillery and anti aircraft weapons and of over two hundred people dead in Benghazi, that’s a report that’s not verified yet, but those are reports coming through this morning. Well then the world should not hesitate to condemn those actions.

Dermot Murnaghan: Isn’t there a contradiction in that though Foreign Secretary with respect in that you say you think it was not wrong to attempt to normalise relations with Colonel Gaddafi who we understand and have always understood is an undemocratic to say the least dictator who’s now machine gunning his own people, perhaps we’ve helped to keep him in power there and he wouldn’t be able to be doing this if we had not so called normalised relations.

William Hague: I doubt that what, what happened in attempts to normalise relations made a difference to Colonel Gaddafi staying in power. Though it, it is a case that illustrates the conflicting pressures in foreign policy where of course it is important to encourage even unpleasant regimes to do things that are necessary for the peace of the world and that is why we have discussions with them. We don’t, as, as diplomats, as Foreign Ministers we don’t just do business with people we agree with all of the time. We have to deal with regimes we disagree with in order to try to push them in the right direction and that is what has happened in the case of Libya.

That’s why I went to Syria three weeks ago. We have many differences with Syria, but it is important to engage with them and try to get them to behave in what we regard as a constructive way. So these issues are not black and white, but when it comes to basic human rights and voicing our, not only our concern, but our condemnation about repression and violence against protestors, well then that is black and white and we’re very, very clear where we stand on that.

Dermot Murnaghan: So just to be clear on this, what you’re laying out there in terms of dealing with so called unpalatable regimes Foreign Secretary, let’s say the wave of protests we, may already have done so, reaches Saudi Arabia, probably our key ally, the West’s key ally in the region, a repressive undemocratic regime. But on this one you’d stand four square behind them because they’re so important.

William Hague: Well of course many of these countries in terms of the security of the region are our allies. That doesn’t mean their societies are the same as ours or that they respect human rights in the way that we would like them to do and that is why we encourage sensible reform. Our message to all the Governments of this region is that it’s important to recognise legitimate political and economic grievances, to encourage good economic development, to encourage more open and flexible political systems and that’s the discussion I had yesterday, a good discussion actually with the Crown Prince of Bahrain who is trying now to embark on a real dialogue in Bahrain with opposition groups. That is the right way forward, that’s the sort of thing that the United Kingdom encourages.

Dermot Murnaghan: I mean it is, it is giving you a headache clearly isn’t it, so just to be clear on this, Colonel Gaddafi should stand down, on that we all agree, but King Fahd, maybe he should stay.

William Hague: No we’re not trying, this is why I don’t get involved in saying who should be running individual countries. Our relationship is with countries not with individuals and we stand for certain things we regard as universal, human rights and political freedoms and, and people’s right to economic progress as well. But we don’t try to choose who is running individual countries or to tell them …

Dermot Murnaghan: So, so it’s fine, so it’s fine for …

William Hague: … exactly what they should be doing in those countries.

Dermot Murnaghan: … it’s fine for Colonel Gaddafi to stay on then?

William Hague: Well I’m sure that will be resolved within Libya. We are not going to start saying who should go and who should come. These are sovereign nations, but what Colonel Gaddafi should be doing is respecting basic human rights and there is no sign of that in the dreadful response, the horrifying response of the Libyan authorities to these protests.

Dermot Murnaghan: Okay Mr Hague. Thank you very much indeed. Foreign Secretary William Hague there …

William Hague: Thank you.

Dermot Murnaghan: … on particular the troubles in Libya.

Sky News Crowned RTS News Channel of the Year

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:59:01 +0000

Sky News has been named named News Channel of the Year for the eighth time in ten years at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Journalism awards.

RTS judges said it was a ‘vintage year for Sky News which exhibited outstanding range and depth.’ They added that Sky News ‘is bold and brave and has shown a new and exciting commitment to foreign coverage. It is still the channel that you turn to for breaking news.’

Accepting the award at last night’s ceremony, John Ryley, Head of Sky News, paid tribute to the competition and the ‘brilliant men and women of Sky who over the past 22 years have made the channel the success it is today.’

He later added: ‘2010 has been another exceptional year for the Sky News team – from the success of our historic Leaders’ Debate campaign, to the launch of HD, to our outstanding foreign coverage – we continue to push bold, exciting and innovative story-telling.’

Special Correspondent, Alex Crawford, won Television Journalist of the Year, repeating her triumph in the same category last year. Judges said she ‘showed complete mastery of the reporter’s art – tremendous enterprise, polished writing and great screen presence, together with remarkable personal courage and the ability to work under sustained pressure in dangerous places.’ Alex has now won the prestigious RTS award an unprecedented three times.

Sky News won its third RTS award of the night for its coverage of the student riots in the Home News category. Judges described the ‘outstanding coverage of an unfolding event’ and ‘exceptional rolling news coverage’ as the student march in central London turned to violence at Millbank Tower.

The Judges’ Award was shared between the negotiating teams at Sky News, the BBC and ITV who brought about the historic televised Leaders’ Debates. The judges noted that ‘political and broadcasting history was made in the UK in 2010 with the first ever Prime Ministerial Debates. It was a genuinely historic agreement and in most peoples’ eyes the debates more than lived up to their billing.’

Sky News was short-listed in four further categories including Anna Botting for Presenter of the Year; City Editor, Mark Kleinman, for Specialist Journalist of the Year; West of England Correspondent, Katie Stallard, for Young Journalist of the Year, and Libya: The Stolen Children in the Current Affairs – International category.

Sky News Arabia Appoints Nart Bouran as Director of News

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:18:40 +0000

Sky News Arabia has appointed Nart Bouran as Director of News for its 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel that will launch in Spring 2012.

He joins Sky News Arabia from Thomson Reuters, where he was Director of Television for the Reuters News Agency. Nart will have overall responsibility for the channel including delivering its editorial standards and business goals.

His appointment is the first in a series for Sky News Arabia, a joint venture between Sky News in the UK and ADMIC in the UAE. The channel will offer a fresh, independent and innovative approach to broadcasting news in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), across multiple platforms.

Nart brings a wealth of experience to Sky News Arabia after a journalism career spanning 20 years. He has worked extensively across the Middle East covering major stories in countries such as Iraq, Algeria, Libya and Yemen, as well as the Arab-Israeli conflict. Former roles have included Director General of the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, and Director of News for Abu Dhabi TV where he spearheaded their acclaimed coverage of the war in Iraq in 2003.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, added: ‘I’m delighted Nart has come on board as our new Director of News. Sky News Arabia promises to deliver news to the MENA region in a fresh and modern way. Nart’s huge experience in working on major stories around the world, and particularly in the Middle East, will ensure we do just that.’

Nart Bouran commented: ‘I’m incredibly excited to be joining Sky News Arabia and am looking forward to the challenge ahead. Our aim is to offer a fresh and exciting channel with a new approach to covering news and analysis which will make Sky News Arabia the must-view channel across the MENA region.’

Content for Sky News Arabia, across all its platforms, will be created and delivered by more than 180 multimedia journalists, supported by a full technical and operations team. The channel will be based in new studios in Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 media zone. In addition, it will have a network of newsgathering bureaux across MENA, further offices in London and Washington DC, and access to Sky News’ wider network of international bureaux.

Sky News to Launch New Shows for Boulton and Co, and Dermot Murnaghan

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:43:25 +0000

From Monday 17th January the must-read blog, Boulton & Co, will become a daily must-see weekday show. Sky News Political Editor, Adam Boulton, will present the lunchtime programme (1pm to 2pm) with Sarah Hughes, Royal Correspondent, from the new state-of-the-art Sky News Westminster studio.

The programme will feature forensic interviews and hard hitting debate on the day’s breaking news stories. It will have a flexible format, adapting to the news agenda as stories develop on air. Sky News’ team of top specialist journalists will contribute to the programme on television and via their blogs as the programme goes out.

Dermot Murnaghan will also be presenting a brand new Sunday morning show (10am to noon) from this Sunday 9th January. Titled, Murnaghan, it will be a mix of agenda-setting politics, business and sport with a focus on sharp interviewing and pithy opinion. As well as the traditional head-to-head interviews the show will aim to bring politicians face-to-face with experts and individuals directly affected by their policies.

Both shows will exploit the capability of HD using side panels to display extra detail and information, and to allow viewers to join the debate online and via social media. Like the Sky News Centre in West London, the Westminster set is situated at the heart of the working newsroom, and is a central London hub for the channel’s multi-platform coverage – TV, mobile, online and radio.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: ‘These shows see two of Sky’s major talents in hugely exciting new programmes. They will reinvent traditional formats, engaging with viewers via social media, and capitalising on all the benefits of HD. They will not only be must sees for breaking news but controversial debate and expert analysis.’

Both Adam and Sarah will continue in their current roles as Political Editor and Royal Correspondent respectively. Paul Harrison has been appointed Royal Correspondent and will work alongside Sarah to bring royal news to the fore in the run up to the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

Sophy Ridge will also be joining the politics team as political correspondent and will be a strong presence on Sunrise. She joins Sky from the News of the World.

Exclusive Sky News Investigation Reveals Serious Security Breach at Bullingdon Prison

news@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:59:06 +0000

An exclusive investigation by Sky News’ Jason Farrell has revealed serious breaches in security at Bullingdon prison in Oxfordshire.

Sky News received shocking footage from a smuggled mobile phone inside the jail which gives an unprecedented and uncensored snapshot of prison life.

For several weeks, inmate Michael Long secretly filmed inside the prison for Sky News. Long wanted to highlight failings within the prison system and the compelling footage reveals poor security, the ease with which illegal drugs are conveyed into the prison and a lack of training and rehabilitation for prisoners before release. It is the first time that a prisoner has managed to get footage to a journalist and the exclusive report and pictures will be broadcast on the channel from 0600 on Monday 6 December.

Mobile phones are banned in jails as they can enable prisoners to organise drug deals, intimidate victims and initiate gang networks. They can also be used to plan escapes and film locks. However, in the special report, Long films himself passing through three security checks inside the prison without his phone being discovered.

Incredible footage illustrates an extraordinary breach of security and gives a troubling insight into prison life as a parcel of drugs is filmed having been thrown over the prison wall in broad daylight. The package has strings attached which are used to reel it in through a window into a cell by inmates, and when opened, the footage shows that it contains a variety of illegal drugs.

Smuggling is another route in for drugs and phones, and to demonstrate how items are illegally bought into the jail, Michael Long arranged a rendezvous between Sky reporters and an unsupervised prisoner left in the prison car park. Sky handed over a pouch of tobacco and some tanning cream to the prisoner. A few hours later, Long sent back pictures of the items from inside his cell.

Long, who is serving four years for his part in an operation to steal Bentley cars worth £375,000 claims that he bought the phone from a corrupt warden and that officials are cashing in on prisoners needs.

He tells Sky News: “Then they come up to you and approach you. Take advantage of you and offer you a phone for £500.”

Michael’s main motivation for contacting Sky News was to highlight the lack of rehabilitation for prisoners. He says: “Where’s the rehabilitation? There’s no training courses in this prison. I’ve been here a year and all I’ve done is lie in bed. I need to be trained; I need to have some skills so when I come out I can get a job. I don’t want to go back to crime but they’re not teaching me anything here. I’m crying out to be educated.”

Sky’s Jason Farrell said: "Michael Long gives us a raw and disturbing insight into prison life. The fact that he has a mobile phone is a security breach in itself, but the pictures he captures tell of a prison service failing to deal with the influx of illegal drugs and phones. He also highlights the need for an improved community structure within our prisons and more thought about how prisoners will integrate in society when they get out."