United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1989
Ownership
Sky News is operated by Sky Group, which since October 2018 has been wholly owned by the US media conglomerate Comcast Corporation (parent of NBCUniversal). Comcast outbid 21st Century Fox/Disney to acquire Sky for around 30 billion pounds, ending the long Murdoch-family association with the channel, which Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB originally launched. Sky News is run as the news division of Sky UK Limited.
Funding
Funded commercially through advertising, carriage fees and Sky's wider subscription television and broadband business; it does not receive any UK licence-fee money. As a condition of the Comcast takeover, the company gave binding undertakings to ring-fence Sky News editorial independence and guarantee its funding for at least ten years (to around 2028).
Affiliation & stance
Sky News is a privately, commercially owned broadcaster with no party or government control, and is regulated for impartiality by Ofcom; its output is broadly centrist. Because it is owned by a publicly traded commercial company (Comcast) rather than a party, church, state or single oligarch, and has legally guaranteed editorial independence, it is correctly classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 160
64/100
Factual
61/100
Objective
244
Articles
244
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Elon Musk’s X not facing action from UK government over posts inciting violence in Belfast
Notorious Liverpool gangster killed in Holland nine years after 'committing a double murder' was shot dead while trying to collect a debt
Donaldson's first night in prison as downfall shakes NI politics
Rapist who 'catfished' Muslim men on Snapchat and Grindr jailed
Bedford train crash latest: Injury toll rises to 100 as investigators look into cause of collision
Downpatrick Convent Of Mercy on fire: 'Thoughts with firefighters' as smoke fills sky
Prince Harry’s son Archie steals show wearing England shirt in sweet Father’s Day photo
First shadow fleet vessel enters Channel since Smyrtos boarding
Footage shows Henry Nowak killer ‘holding firearm’ years before stabbing
Recent coverage
Three men found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee
Three men from Derry were found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019 during riots in Derry. McKee, 29, was killed by a gunshot while observing the unrest. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. During a lengthy trial in Belfast Crown Court, the men were cleared of murder charges, though prosecutors argued they were involved in a joint enterprise to assist the shooter. The defense criticized the prosecution's reliance on speculation, and the judge previously ruled there was enough evidence to proceed. McKee's family expressed deep disappointment, calling the outcome a failure of the justice system and demanding an end to the 'culture of silence' in Northern Ireland. The judge acknowledged the tragedy and regretted the lack of progress in identifying the killer.
Two men jailed for stabbing Iranian TV presenter on London street
Two men were sentenced to prison for stabbing an Iranian TV presenter on a London street. The incident has raised concerns about the involvement of 'criminal proxies' linked to the Iranian government in UK-based criminal activities. The case highlights potential state-sponsored criminal behavior and the challenges of addressing such issues within UK law enforcement.
Mahmood introduces radical reforms to asylum system including clampdown on modern slavery claims
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has proposed significant changes to the asylum system, aiming to restrict asylum seekers' ability to remain in the UK based on family ties and limit modern slavery claims. The reforms include tightening the interpretation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects private and family life, by limiting 'family' to immediate relatives like parents, spouses, or children under 18, with exceptions. Asylum seekers would be required to live with these family members if claiming they need to stay in the UK for that reason. Additionally, the legislation states that no weight should be given to private life or family connections built in the UK for those without legal status. The reforms also introduce a requirement for refugees to repay £10,000 to the Home Office once they begin working, mirroring a student loan model. Critics argue this could separate refugee families and increase uncertainty for vulnerable individuals. The bill also limits modern slavery support for those with criminal records and streamlines refugee status with humanitarian protection.
Devastated Jack Draper withdraws from Wimbledon with emotional statement
British tennis player Jack Draper withdrew from Wimbledon 2026 due to a recurring injury in his serving arm, ending his participation before the tournament began. This follows the withdrawal of another top British player, Emma Raducanu, within days. Draper, who reached the US Open semifinals in 2024 and achieved a career-high world ranking of four in 2025, has struggled with multiple injuries over the past year. Despite recent improvements at the Eastbourne event, he was unable to compete at a Grand Slam this year. Draper expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the significance of playing at Wimbledon for a British player. He also criticized the current state of men's tennis, citing concerns about athlete workload and performance demands.
Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast
An upcoming heatwave in the UK is being predicted, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in parts of the southeast by the weekend. The Met Office reports that June 2026 was the warmest June on record for England and the second warmest for the UK overall. A high-pressure system from the Azores is moving toward the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to rising temperatures. While the UK typically declares a heatwave when temperatures meet specific regional thresholds—such as three consecutive days of 28°C in London and the southeast—the current conditions suggest the heatwave might begin earlier than usual. The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for several regions, cautioning about risks to vulnerable individuals. Although the air is expected to be less humid compared to previous heatwaves, the potential for discomfort remains. Northern areas are unlikely to experience heatwave-level temperatures soon due to the influence of Atlantic air and possible rainfall.
Ex-cop who wanted to be a serial killer jailed for extreme rape and murder fantasies
Brian Darby, a 80-year-old former police officer, has been sentenced to four years in prison for distributing indecent images of children and sharing online rape and murder fantasies. Darby previously served a life sentence in 2002 after attempting to kill a woman, admitting he wanted to be 'as evil as possible.' Upon release in 2017, he continued his harmful behavior, including stalking victims and engaging in online chats detailing violent fantasies. During his recent trial, prosecutors presented evidence of his disturbing posts, including a post describing strangling his wife with family encouragement and advocating for women to be killed at 30. The court deemed him a dangerous offender due to his entrenched interest in violent sexual material and patterns of offending. Darby was also linked to a 14-year-old accomplice named Jeannette White, with whom he shared violent fantasies and groomed for criminal activity.
Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announcing his intention to step down as Labour leader and allowing for a leadership contest to determine the next prime minister. He stated that he believes he is not the best person to lead Labour into the next general election and has informed the King of his decision. A timetable for the leadership contest has been outlined, with nominations opening on 9 July and concluding by 16 July. Starmer emphasized his commitment to ensuring an orderly transition of power and pledged to support his successor. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed his candidacy for the leadership position, receiving early support from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Other potential contenders include former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, though he remains undecided. Burnham, upon being sworn in as an MP for Makerfield, faced both applause and some opposition in the House of Commons. His priorities reportedly include focusing on becoming an MP first and later addressing whether to call a general election if he becomes prime minister. Starmer's tenure as Prime Minster
Man guilty of attempted murder of three children in Dublin
A 52-year-old man named Riad Bouchaker has been convicted of attempting to murder three children and assaulting four others in Dublin's Parnell Square in November 2023. The incident involved a five-year-old girl who suffered a lifelong brain injury after being stabbed in the heart. Bouchaker was also found guilty of seriously injuring a crèche worker and assaulting two additional children and a teenager. He denied all charges but was found guilty on all eight counts. The jury deliberated for approximately six hours before returning a guilty verdict. Judge Tony Hunt commended the jury for their work and noted that their findings align with the evidence presented. Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, and Bouchaker remains in custody.
Woman who stalked George Osborne and his wife spared jail
A woman who stalked former UK Conservative Party Chancellor George Osborne and his wife, including by reporting them to social services, has received a sentence that avoids incarceration. The case highlights concerns around stalking behavior and the legal responses to such actions. The decision reflects judicial considerations regarding the severity of the offense and potential rehabilitation opportunities. The incident raises questions about personal boundaries and the impact of such behaviors on individuals' lives.
Burnham calls for grooming gang ringleader to be deported
Andy Burnham, the Labour Party leader and likely future UK Prime Minister, has called for the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang, following his upcoming release from prison. Ahmed, who holds dual British-Pakistani citizenship, was stripped of his British nationality after being convicted of multiple rapes and sexual offenses against young girls in 2012. However, legal restrictions prevent his deportation to Pakistan. Burnham has urged the Home and Foreign Secretaries to explore all possible options for removing Ahmed from the UK, emphasizing the importance of protecting victims. The Home Office stated it is working with other government departments to find solutions, though challenges remain due to international agreements. Victims of Ahmed’s crimes expressed fears for their safety upon his release, highlighting concerns about his potential reintegration into communities where he is known.
Harry may fly family into UK for less than 24 hours to see King - as ex-Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown accuses Sussexes of trying to use Archie and Lilibet as leverage in security row
Prince Harry is considering flying Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, into the UK for less than 24 hours to visit King Charles, despite ongoing disputes over their security arrangements. The plan follows the collapse of a proposed five-day trip to Britain. Harry reportedly wants to provide his children with the chance to experience the UK but insists on receiving 'proportionate protective security' before doing so. Critics, including former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, accuse Harry of using his family as leverage in the security dispute. Brown claims Harry is 'hopelessly misguided' in believing this would pressure the UK's VIP security committee, Ravec, into granting protection. Meanwhile, the King is said to be open to meeting his grandchildren, though his health remains a concern.
Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome retires
Chris Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner, has officially announced his retirement from professional cycling. The announcement marks the end of a distinguished career spanning multiple decades, during which Froome achieved significant success in the world's most prestigious cycling race. His retirement comes after years of competing at the highest level and contributing to the sport's global popularity. The decision reflects the natural progression of an athlete's career and signals a new chapter for both Froome and the sport.
Teenager arrested as boy, 16, fights for life after shooting in Birmingham
A 16-year-old boy was critically injured in a shooting in the Alum Rock area of Birmingham. The incident occurred on Bowyer Road near St Saviours Road shortly before 5:30 PM. A 17-year-old teenager has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody. Authorities have stated that while the shooting took place near a mosque, there is no indication at this time that the incident is related to the place of worship. The victim remains in critical condition in the hospital. Police are conducting ongoing investigations and are appealing for witnesses or individuals with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
