Sky News has been awarded News Channel of the Year for the eighth consecutive time, and Sophy Ridge has been recognized as Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards. Jonathan Levy, Managing Director and Executive Editor of Sky News UK, commented on the significance of the News Channel of the Year accolade, especially during a year filled with major news events, including a general election, domestic unrest, the re-election of Donald Trump, and international conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of journalism in highlighting critical stories, particularly the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The RTS judges commended Sky News for its “excellent journalism, high production values, and clear analysis,” noting that the channel was “hard to beat” in its category. They highlighted Sky News’ strong eyewitness coverage from around the globe and its engaging reporting on various UK stories. Notable contributions included Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir’s frontline reports from Sudan and chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay’s coverage of the conflict in Myanmar, along with an exclusive interview with President Zelenskyy.
Sophy Ridge, the lead political presenter for Sky News, also received the Network Presenter of the Year award. She expressed pride in her work at Sky News and emphasized the collaborative nature of journalism. Ridge acknowledged the current challenges facing journalism and the importance of listening to viewers and interview subjects.
The RTS judges remarked on Ridge’s standout performance in a competitive field, praising her ability to blend toughness with approachability. They noted her seamless transition between political topics and breaking news, highlighting her insightful and composed presence.
In 2024, Sky News continued to cover significant stories, including the UK’s general election, featuring notable moments such as Beth Rigby’s questioning of Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in Grimsby.
