News on News - Sky News

Sky News to Partner with the National Business Awards

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:03:19 +0000

The National Business Awards in partnership with Orange, has today revealed that Sky News will become the programme’s first Official Broadcast Partner, to support its campaign to reward and recognise Britain’s most exemplary enterprises.

The partnership will see Sky News Presenter Jeff Randall host the 2012 award ceremony, which is attended by over 1200 of the UKs most influential business leaders. Sky News will also receive access to finalists and judges for interviews and features.

Now entering its eleventh year, the National Business Awards seeks the best performing organisations in the public, private and third sectors – from SMEs, to the FTSE 100, to charities and government agencies. Across 17 categories this annual awards programme recognises excellence in seven core areas – growth, innovation, staff engagement, customer focus, leadership, ethics and financial performance.

“This partnership with Sky News is an exciting development for the National Business Awards, giving its finalists and growing Alumni a global platform to celebrate the best of British business,” said Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Business Awards. “As the UK’s leading business awards programme, with so many great examples of enterprise excellence from the last decade, it’s great to be partnering with such a highly respected channel for business news and features.”

For more information about the National Business Awards visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk

Sky News Announces Major Refresh of Website

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:19:21 +0000

Sky News has unveiled a new-look website following a major redesign of skynews.com.

The new site makes it easier for users to keep track of the day’s biggest stories and explore video, images and analysis as breaking news unfolds.

The website’s new homepage presents a clearer picture of the day’s headlines, and allows users to dive into the detail of stories; exploring galleries, graphs, timelines and images. Navigation has been simplified so visitors can find and share content more easily and there is a more prominent role for comment and analysis with a broader range of views from Sky News correspondents and specialists.

The site, powered by a new bespoke content management system that will power all of Sky News’ digital platforms, allows for more flexible story-telling, to give users a more immersive experience, providing background information that helps put breaking news into context.

A new weather section has also been launched giving users a detailed three-hourly local forecast for their postcode, as well as a broader look at the national and international picture.

Andrew Hawken, Head of Editorial, Sky News Digital, said: “The new site is real progress for us, and completes our world-class multi-platform offering. Viewers will find the site easier to navigate, with all the top stories in one place and with much more detail, as well as additional benefits like a broader range of comment and analysis pieces and more detailed weather service.”

John Jelley, Executive Producer, Sky News Online added: “We went back to the drawing board to give video and rich interactive media a more central role in the site. We wanted to make the most of a new content management system to produce some of the web’s best story experiences – where any type of content can take the lead, and where users can explore a full range of relevant context, all on the same page.”

Live streaming of Sky News is available as before in full screen, as well as the latest 3 minute bulletin, and the day’s national newspaper front pages.

Sky News to Broadcast Live London Mayoral Debate

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:14:51 +0000

On Thursday 19th April Sky News will host a live London Mayoral debate from the heart of the City ahead of the election on 3rd May.

The debate will take place between the three major party candidates; Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone and Brian Paddick, who will take questions from an audience of 250 Londoners and viewers watching live.

Titled ‘The London Debate’ and hosted by Sky News Presenter Anna Botting, the one hour debate will be broadcast live at 8pm from Heron Tower in the City. It will be town hall style in setup, with opening and closing comments from each of the candidates.

Following the debate there will be an hour-long programme that will review and analyse the performance of each of the participants. Anna will be joined by Gillian Joseph, who will glean the reaction of the other mayoral candidates, eminent Londoners, high-profile journalists and VIPs also in the audience.

Chris Birkett, Executive Editor of Sky News, commented: ‘This will be an exciting debate where the audience will have the chance to ask the candidates about the issues affecting them personally as London residents. It will be a high profile opportunity for the candidates to convince the public why they should occupy City Hall for the next four years. As we know, live debates can often see the strongest of performers falter, meaning this debate will play a major part in their campaigns.’

The debate is open to London residents over the age of 18 who can apply for a space via www.skynews.com/thelondondebate. Here they will also be asked to submit their question to the candidates. Members of the public can also submit questions via the Sky News Facebook page and on Twitter by tagging their question with #skylondondebate

Sky News' Alex Crawford Recieves OBE in New Year Honours

newsdesk@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'

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

kevin.coy@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

newsdesk@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

kevin.coy@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

kevin.coy@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

kevin.coy@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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

newsdesk@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.