Sky News schedule changes

Sky News has announced a number of changes to its news schedule as the channel aims to focus its resources throughout the schedule rather than concentrating on specific programmes.

The big changes involve the evening schedule with both The Sky Report and World News Tonight being axed. Both were introduced last October as part of the channel’s move into dedicated programming but although the programmes are being removed from the schedule, both presenters will remain with the channel.

Julie Etchingham, who is highly regarded by Sky bosses, will return to the daytime schedule to co-present the afternoon edition of Sky News Today alongside Mark Longhurst. Rubin, who hosted World News Tonight, will continue to serve as a presenter of a series of special programmes on international affairs across Sky News, as well as expanding his role as a commentator and analyst.

Anna Botting, who has been covering for Julie Etchingham whilst on maternity leave, will rejoin co-presenter Jeremy Thompson each weekday evening between 6-8pm.

Juliette Foster, who has been with the channel for five years and Ginny Buckley, who joined from the BBC last year, are also said to be leaving the channel. Seventeen members of staff will be leaving the company as part of Sky News’ continuing drive to operate a highly efficient and effective organisation. These are also rumoured to include Political Correspondent Jenny Percival.

The current formats of both Sunrise and Lunchtime Live, one of the successes of last years relaunch, remain with Chris Roberts moving to the morning edition of Sky News Today alongside Anna Jones.

Martin Stanford replaces him in the evening slot, presenting a new show between 8pm and 10pm which will be “news-driven and interactive.” Stanford will stay on to host News At Ten and the eleven o’clock news hour alongside Gillian Joseph.

The new schedule launches on Monday July 10.

Dawn Airey, Managing Director, Channels and Services, said: “Sky News is known for fast, accurate journalism that sets the benchmark for our competitors, just as we were first with the news of last week’s police raids against suspected terrorists in London, the Thames Whale and the Norman Kember release.

Like any good news broadcaster, our goal is to continuously innovate and improve our news service, Sky’s determination to be the best 24 hour news service is as strong as ever“

Nick Pollard, Head of Sky News, said: “The journalists on both World News Tonight and The Sky Report have worked incredibly hard to produce some outstanding and original journalism. One of the aims of the schedule change is to integrate some of the strengths within our general programming, rather than focussing that effort solely on to two specific peak time shows.”

The full schedule as of Monday July 10 is as follows:

0600-0900 Sunrise with Eamonn Holmes and Lorna Dunkley

0900-1200 Sky News Today with Chris Roberts and Anna Jones

1200-1400 Lunchtime Live with Kay Burley

1400-1700 Sky News Today with Mark Longhurst and Julie Etchingham

1700-1800 Live at Five with Jeremy Thompson

1800-2000 Sky News with Jeremy Thompson and Anna Botting

2000-2200 To be announced with Martin Stanford

2200-2230 News at Ten with Martin Stanford and Gillian Joseph

2230-2300 Sportsline with Jon Desborough

2300-0000 Sky News Tonight with Martin Stanford and Gillian Joseph

Posted by on Wednesday 7 June 2006
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