The re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States enters the record books as the biggest ever day for Sky News Australia.
The election coverage at the News Corp-owned news channel saw it mobilise its resources to cover every aspect of the vote on the first Tuesday in November.
The Sky News’ election team promised to deliver more than eight hours of live rolling coverage as Americans decided they wanted more President Donald Trump.
Chief news anchor Kieran Gilbert led the channel’s America Decides coverage with a big team from the channel in the United States.
Paul Murray took his Paul Murray Live show on the road for the entire week, coming live from Dallas and Washington DC at 5am local time each day. James Morrow co-hosted Outsiders from the Mexican-US border, and also presented his weekly program The US Report on location during the election period.
On election day, Danica De Giorgio started coverage with a special edition of First Edition: America Decides. Washington correspondent Annelise Nielsen was live from Washington DC, joined for analysis on election night by Paul Murray.
First Edition anchor Peter Stefanovic got inside Trump headquarters in West Palm Beach, the only Australian TV journalist granted access.
AM Agenda anchor Laura Jayes presented updates from Harris headquarters. James Morrow was in the key swing state North Carolina, and from New York business editor Ross Greenwood delivered the latest US and global market updates and reactions as the markets embraced the return of Trump.
Election night coverage on the channel
Trumped! Election day records
Sky News was the #1 channel on Foxtel, recording its highest share ever at 10.7%, reaching almost 500,000 unique viewers on subscription television.
Sky News Regional recorded its highest audience share ever at 7.3%, reaching 421,000 unique regional free-to-air viewers.
Sky News surged on digital platforms. Visitors to SkyNews.com.au were up +47% on Wednesday average.
Sky News blitzed YouTube. Video reporting of the US election had more than 35 million views since rolling coverage Wednesday, resulting in the highest-performing day of Sky News Australia on YouTube since it launched on the platform in 2019. The channel now has just under 5 million subscribers on that platform.
Sky News chief election analyst Tom Connell accurately called the result live on air 15 minutes before any major US or Australian network.
Sky News was first to call Trump victory
Sky News First Edition anchor Peter Stefanovic was the only Australian TV reporter inside Trump HQ and present for his victory speech.
Sources: Linear – OzTAM National STV & Reg Panel, All Day, Ave Aud, Share %, 1min Cume Reach, & Overnight. Source: Chartbeat
Sky News viewers get ‘a front-row seat to history’
Paul Whittaker, chief executive officer of Sky News Australia told Mediaweek: “Sky News has been there for every step of the 2024 US Presidential Election and campaign trail, giving our audiences across broadcast and digital platforms a front-row seat to history in the making.
“Our seamless and world-class coverage provided an Australian lens that captivated audiences in unprecedented numbers, delivering our highest audience share days on Sky News on Foxtel and free-to-air channel Sky News Regional, as well as holding our position as Australia’s most engaging digital news brand.”
Megyn Kelly on Paul Murray Live
Paul Murray wrapped his time in Washington last night and again featured special guest Megyn Kelly who will help Murray’s YouTube numbers soar again across the US.
Murray also had another significant scoop last night, an extended interview with 2GB’s outgoing morning host Ray Hadley.
See also: ABC win US Election FTA coverage