Sky News head Ryley to step down next year

John Ryley, head of Sky News will step down from his post in Spring 2023.

Ryley said, “Being head of Sky News is one of the most exhilarating jobs in journalism. Nonetheless, after almost 40 years in the news business, 28 at Sky including 17 lucky years at the helm – I have decided, as of next year, to stop and leave Sky News behind.

“Back in 2021 I informed Sky I wanted to continue as head of news for no more than two more years, reckoning the spring of 2023, three years after Harriet’s death, would be a fitting moment to stop daily journalism and start projects incompatible with leading a news organization.

“Sky News is a successful, multi-platform news organization with a strong bond of trust with our viewers, listeners, and above all, digital consumers. Sky News understands our audiences want journalists not only to report the news but to explain it too.

“In the coming weeks, a new head of Sky News will be appointed. I hope my successor believes in the value of eye-witness journalism putting our camera operators and journalists at the heart of the news and remembers Sky News – at its best – is a challenger brand, and that it’s not the cleverest or biggest news organization that succeeds but the one most adaptable to change.”