Sky News Australia has launched its new Melbourne bureau and studios, now located within News Corp Australia’s Herald & Weekly Times Southbank headquarters.
The launch of the new studio facilities follows significant investment in Sky News bureaus across the country – including the establishment of a sophisticated studio at Parliament House in Canberra and the appointment of Sky News’ first Washington correspondent.
The expanded studio and office space will see the Sky News bureau now co-located with the News Corp Melbourne team, allowing for continued growth and expansion and reaffirming its commitment to providing Victorians with live breaking news and informed and robust opinions.
Paul Whittaker Sky News Australia chief executive said: “The launch of our new Melbourne studio occurs at a time when Sky News continues to see record viewership, with Melbourne now being our leading market.
“Bringing Sky News Australia into the Herald & Weekly Times building with its rich journalistic pedigree reinforces our continued commitment to quality journalism, and further integrates our businesses, talent and teams as we celebrate our 25th year on air.
“We are committed to ensuring our Victorian news and opinion offering continues to be unrivalled for our viewers.”
The Sky News Melbourne bureau is already home to debates and discussions from commentators and anchors including Andrew Bolt, Peta Credlin, Rita Panahi and Nicholas Reece.
Since 2021 programming commenced on January 24, Sky News has delivered a share of 3.1%, ranking as the #1 channel on Foxtel. The channel has also increased viewing by +26% year-on-year, and viewership in Melbourne is up +54% year-on-year.
In 2020, Sky News rated as the #1 channel on Foxtel, with an audience share of 2.7%.
Sky News Australia has attracted more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers making it the most-viewed Australian news brand on the platform and has extended its lead as the most-engaging Australian Facebook news page.