Sky News Australia is to rebrand as News24 later this year, marking a significant shift for the subscription news provider as it approaches the end of its current brand licensing agreement.
Chief News Anchor Kieran Gilbert confirmed the change on air, saying the new name “builds on the proud history and legacy of one of the world’s biggest news brands, News Corp, that started right here in Australia. Our name is changing, but our brand of news isn’t.”
The rebrand comes as the network celebrates 30 years since the launch of Australia’s first 24-hour news channel. The updated identity includes a logo script inspired by Rupert Murdoch’s handwriting, alongside a refreshed on-air look, new graphics and a dedicated website, news24.com.au, set to launch later this year.
Sky News Australia’s current 10-year licensing deal with Comcast-owned Sky News expires in December 2026.
Chief Executive Paul Whittaker said the move signals the broadcaster’s evolution from a traditional linear TV channel to what he described as a “globally ambitious multi platform news and opinion media brand”.
“By adopting the news script, News24 creates a visible connection to a century of journalistic excellence established by Sir Keith and Rupert Murdoch, which continues today under the leadership of News Corp’s global chair, Lachlan Murdoch,” Whittaker said.
He added that “24 speaks to our ongoing commitment to provide our viewers with live around the clock news coverage as it happens, whenever and however they want to watch it”.
While the name will change, Whittaker stressed that presenters and programming would remain consistent, promising the same mix of breaking news, analysis and commentary.
The transition to News24 will span the company’s broadcast channels, streaming products and digital assets. Distribution will continue across Foxtel, Binge, regional free-to-air television, FAST channels on connected TVs, podcasts, Facebook, YouTube and DAB+ radio in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The service will also remain available in New Zealand via Sky Television.
The announcement coincided with the official opening of News Corp Australia’s new broadcast centre in Surry Hills, Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns joined News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman Michael Miller and Whittaker at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The purpose-built facility co-locates the news channel with News Corp Australia’s publishing brands and is designed to deliver more than 1,500 hours of content each week across broadcast and digital platforms. Built and commissioned in under a year, it features eight studios, six control rooms, expanded edit suites and voiceover booths, a large integrated newsroom and new asset management systems.
The move to Holt Street marks the network’s third Sydney base, following its original Frenchs Forest studios in 1996 and its relocation to the Foxtel broadcast centre in 2006.
Content agencies Medium Rare, Storyation and Visual Domain are expected to join the multimedia hub in the coming months as the group consolidates its multiplatform operations under the News24 brand.
