Kay Burley Retires from Sky News
Veteran broadcaster Kay Burley has announced her retirement from Sky News after 36 years. Burley, a founding member of Sky News since its launch in 1989, delivered the surprise announcement at the end of her final morning broadcast. She reflected on her career covering major global events, including the death of Princess Diana and the 9/11 attacks. Sky News Executive Chairman David Rhodes praised her legacy, stating that her “commitment to Sky’s legacy is unmatched.” Burley cited a desire to explore other passions, including travel, and humorously remarked, “Let politicians of every party rejoice.”
BBC Expands Impartiality Champions Programme
The BBC has introduced impartiality ‘champions’ across all departments following a successful pilot in BBC Scotland and BBC Academy. The initiative, aimed at reinforcing editorial integrity, has now expanded to BBC Wales, with Northern Ireland and England expected to follow. Champions will support training, discussions on impartiality, and adherence to editorial guidelines.
ITV Promotes Sam Tatlow to Head of Diversity
ITV has appointed Sam Tatlow as Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion following Ade Rawcliffe’s promotion to Chief People Officer. Tatlow, previously a Creative Diversity Partner, has spearheaded initiatives like the ITV Inclusive Language Guide and Disabled Writers Initiative. She aims to drive ITV’s DE&I strategy forward.
Piers Morgan Leaves News UK for YouTube Expansion
Piers Morgan has departed News UK to focus on expanding his YouTube channel, Uncensored. The media personality has struck a four-year revenue-sharing agreement with News UK, allowing him full ownership of Uncensored while sharing ad revenue. Morgan aims to grow the channel’s global influence.
Jane Featherstone Calls for AI Training in TV Industry
Sister’s Jane Featherstone has urged the UK TV industry to integrate AI into training programmes, warning that those who understand AI will dominate the sector. She proposed increased tax incentives for high-end TV projects and emphasized the BBC’s role as a cornerstone of the UK media ecosystem.
My5 Sees Record 53% Growth in Viewing Minutes
Channel 5’s streaming service, My5, was the fastest-growing UK PSB platform in 2024, surpassing BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. The surge was attributed to hit shows like All Creatures Great and Small and Blindspot. My5 is set to merge with Channel 5’s linear service under the 5 brand in March 2025.
London Live Closes After a Decade
London Live will cease broadcasting on 19 January after struggling with financial sustainability. The closure has been seen as a wider issue in the decline of local journalism, with former employees lamenting the loss of community-focused reporting.
BBC Issues Generative AI Guidelines
The BBC has published strict guidelines on AI, ruling out its use in factual research and news content. AI will be employed for functions like subtitle generation and translation, but the corporation stresses transparency and editorial control.
UKTV Streaming Platform U Doubles Viewers in Two Years
UKTV’s streaming service, rebranded as U, saw a 109% growth in viewers since 2023. Drama series such as Whitstable Pearl and The Marlow Murder Club drove engagement, with an expanded library of 9,000 hours of content contributing to the surge.
Creative Industry Experts Criticise Government AI Growth Plan
The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan has drawn criticism for prioritizing big tech over creative professionals. Industry figures warn that the plan, which includes an ‘opt-out’ model for AI training data, threatens intellectual property rights and could undermine creative jobs.
Channel 4 News Digital Growth Driven by Climate and Politics
Channel 4 News recorded a 49% increase in global views in 2024, with TikTok engagement doubling. Younger audiences particularly engaged with climate change coverage and political analysis, cementing the broadcaster’s digital-first strategy.
BBC News Digital Director Naja Nielsen Departs
After five years at the BBC, Naja Nielsen is leaving to join Swedish broadcaster SVT. Nielsen was instrumental in driving BBC News’ digital transformation, including the launch of BBC News on TikTok and live streaming initiatives.
Channel 4 CEO Calls for Trust in News for Gen Z
Alex Mahon has urged media organizations to ensure young audiences can access trustworthy news, citing declining trust in traditional journalism. She advocates for regulatory intervention to promote verified news sources on social media.
5 News Sees Highest Growth Among Peak-Time Bulletins
Channel 5’s 5 News experienced the largest audience increase among peak-time news bulletins, with a 4% rise in viewers, marking its best performance since 2018. The Jeremy Vine Show also saw increased engagement, solidifying Channel 5’s growing news influence.
Ofcom Receives Over 1,200 Complaints Over GB News Broadcast
Ofcom has received over 1,200 complaints regarding comments made by comedian Josh Howie on GB News, which were perceived as equating LGBTQ+ individuals with paedophiles. The broadcaster is under investigation, with calls for stronger regulatory oversight.
talkSPORT to Shut Down Seven AM Transmitters
talkSPORT will reduce its national AM radio coverage from 92% to 88.9% by closing seven of its 18 AM transmitters. The move reflects declining AM listenership as audiences shift to digital platforms.
Scott Mills Debuts as BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Host
Scott Mills has officially taken over BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show, replacing Zoe Ball. Mills expressed excitement for the role, with a focus on audience engagement and a mix of music and entertainment.
Global to End All Regional Shows on Heart, Smooth & Capital
Global is transitioning its Heart, Smooth, and Capital networks in England to a fully national format, eliminating regional programming. The restructuring, enabled by the Media Act 2024, will lead to job losses but aims to strengthen brand consistency.
RAJAR Q4 2024: Commercial Radio Outgrows BBC
RAJAR data for Q4 2024 shows commercial radio widening its lead over the BBC, reaching 8.2 million more listeners. Notable growth areas include Greatest Hits Radio, talkSPORT, and Nation Broadcasting, while BBC Local Radio saw mixed results.
BBC Radio 1 Adds Three New Presenters to Early Breakfast Rotation
Dan Draper, Alice Hopkins, and Cloe Lee will take turns hosting BBC Radio 1’s Friday Early Breakfast, continuing the station’s commitment to nurturing new broadcasting talent.
Olivia Attwood and Pete Wicks Join KISS with Sunday Roast
Reality TV stars Olivia Attwood and Pete Wicks will host Sunday Roast on KISS every weekend, bringing a mix of celebrity interviews, music, and banter to the airwaves.
BBC Midlands Appoints Kay Wright as Regional Head
Kay Wright has been named Head of BBC Midlands, overseeing all local radio, TV, and digital output across the West and East Midlands. Wright aims to strengthen regional journalism and audience engagement.
