Sky News: Presentation Discussion

The two are probably not interlinked, but Sky really has lost the news 'x factor' since the HD launch. This should have been a story they were all over, like the floods. At the moment though, they are appearing second rate. Perhaps it would have been hard to match the size and staff resources of the BBC network, but the ethos at Sky should mean they get something first. The producers there are very talented, but it seems they've been beaten by geography, something the other broadcasters overcame.

Having said that, the HD launch was the toughest thing they've done since launch (according to them), so perhaps they've taken their eyes of the ball in regards to breaking news for a bit. I am sure it will return, otherwise the service has lost its unique selling point - being 'first'!

If I remember correctly Sky were first to break the news weren't they?

I think at the moment they are out ahead of the other broadcasters and only 4 hours since the news broke they had an anchor and correspondents on the scene and at the moment they seem to be all over the story with other broadcasters still catching up

And in HD!!

Fair play then, if they were the first to break.

I think though, 4 hours with an anchor just isn't good enough. This story was at it's hottest before the gunman was found dead...that's when people needed their news. The BBC had a reporter live at the scene and had spoken to a few eyewitnesses. When I switched over about 1pm, Colin Brazier was reading script to endless maps. Sky therefore weren't doing anything to keep viewers during a crisis, something they struggle to do - as people tend to be drawn to the BBC during a crisis (depending on its scale).

You have to remember though, that the BBC have Regional News teams to call upon at these times, whereas Sky don't.

Thanks to both for those - very much a step back then - style over substance.


And full marks to Sky News for sticking with this story tonight whilst the BBC deemed that the England team getting on a plane was more important.

Not able to see a TV at the moment. Are Sky on NSW currently? Anna Botting still on air? I thought the coverage became much stronger on Sky from 5.

Paula Middlehurst has been in the studio assumingly til 10 at least

Martin Brunt has joined Anna Botting in Cumbria now - Sky are redeeming themselves in my eyes, strong coverage this evening.

...when news channels usually get their lowest viewing figures of the day.

But ready for sunrise where they are currently boasting a good following

Sky News generally do well ratings wise from News at Ten through to Press Preview. These slots are often 'top ten'.