Sky Sports News HQ will launch on August 12
Sky has announced plans to shake up its sports news coverage, revealing that the Sky Sports News channel will be rebranded Sky Sports News HQ from August 12.
Undergoing a sizeable refresh in time for the start of the new Barclays Premier League season on August 16, the revamped Sky Sports New HQ channel will reportedly offer “even more breaking news across a streamlined TV, digital and mobile service”.
Taking over channel 401 on the Sky EPG (the current home of Sky Sports News), Sky Sports News HQ will see a upgraded, slightly futuristic looking studio, twice the size of the existing space, play host to a raft of new broadcasting features, including a massive, 18 square-metre video wall.
Offering revised and new programming, Sky Sports New HQ will see the broadcaster heap greater emphasis on reporting stories under investigation. A fleet of 20 presenters will include existing favourites Kirsty Gallacher, Jim White and Natalie Sawyer.
Highlighting Sky’s push into more digital mediums, the move to the new Sky Sports News HQ platform is not focussed solely on TV coverage. The refresh will coincide with the launch of a redesigned Sky Sports News app and website, as well as the introduction of a social media desk, designed to offer a more engaging and immersive experience for viewers.
“Sky Sports News is the number one sports news service in Europe and we aim to make it even better,” Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports said. “The launch of Sky Sports News HQ will extend and enhance the experience across TV, mobile and online.”
He added: “It’s just the latest innovation from a channel that’s pioneered sports news broadcasting for over 15 years. And by launching on channel 401, we want Sky Sports News HQ to be the first port of call for sports fans, transforming the way they follow sport in a multiplatform era.”
Andy Cairns, Sky Sports News HQ Executive Editor added: “These changes reflect how we’re staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the needs of our viewers.
“Sports fans want to get even further into the heart of sports news, and we’ll take them there with the best resources: 11 presentation points in a fantastic new studio, new ways of reflecting stories under investigation and those driving social conversations, and revamped apps and digital services.”
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