Sky News to Open New Studio in the City of London

Sky News has announced that it is to open a new studio in the heart of the City of London.

The fully fitted High Definition studio, situated on the 15th floor of one of the City of London’s most recognisable landmark buildings - 30 St Mary Axe, known to millions as “The Gherkin” - will be home to Jeff Randall Live, Sky News’ flagship weeknight business news programme which airs at 7.30pm Monday – Thursday. The studio will initially broadcast in Standard Definition only, but will switch to HD when Sky News launches its HD channel later in the spring.

The move is part of Sky News’ ongoing commitment to being at the heart of the stories its viewers care about. It will allow greater and faster access to the key City decision makers for Sky News’ team of specialist business journalists. The studio will provide a convenient and easy location for studio guests across Sky News’ business output, and allow Jeff Randall and the Sky News business team to bring viewers the latest business news direct from the City.

The new studio sets Sky News apart from other UK TV organisations in having a dedicated broadcasting base within the City. With the launch of the studio, viewers will be treated to a panoramic view of London towards Westminster, overlooking Tower 42, St Paul’s Cathedral and the new Heron Tower. The studio will comprise a presenters’ desk for Jeff, space for up to three studio guests, as well as a large screen for live video link interviews. In addition there will be office space for up to eight Sky News staff. The studio will also be used for special programmes, including Budget day.

Chris Birkett, Executive Editor for Sky News said: “At every possible opportunity Sky News wants to report direct from the very heart of the stories our viewers want to see, whether that’s the latest business news, floods in the UK, foreign war zones or red carpet events.

“The recession has undoubtedly been the most dominant recurring story of the last 18 months and will continue to be, as its effects reverberate in businesses and homes across the country. The City of London is at the heart of the UK economy, it’s where the banking crisis happened and it’s where the key players – from monetary policy makers to top executives and analysts – are based. The new studio will provide Sky News viewers with a visually stunning backdrop for business news, and with the launch of the HD channel in the spring, it will bring them even closer to the business stories that matter to them”.