Sky has entered into legally binding commitments with new owner Comcast Corporation that guarantee the continued operation and long-term funding of an editorially independent Sky News.
The commitments extend those already made in the post-offer period in May 2018. At the time, Comcast committed to maintaining inflation-adjusted funding in Sky News, to maintain Sky’s HQ in Osterley and not to acquire a UK newspaper, for a period of 5 years, as well as to establish the Sky News Board within three months of 9 October 2018.
The funding commitment has now been extended to 10 years and the Sky News Board has been established.
“We have invested in Sky News since it launched nearly thirty years ago and we are delighted that Comcast has joined us in extending its commitments, which will secure the future of Sky News for the next ten years,” said Sky Group CEO, Jeremy Darroch.
The board will be chaired by Thomson Foundation CEO, Nigel Baker.
The Head of Sky News will retain complete editorial control over all news output, and instructions to editorial staff are to come only from the Head of Sky News and his authorised delegates.