Kay Burley, one of the UK’s best-known news anchors, is retiring from Sky News after 36 years.
Burley’s decision follows Deadline revealing last year that the presenter was expected to leave the Sky News breakfast show amid speculation she was stepping down altogether.
Burley confirmed the news on today’s breakfast show, telling viewers that it would be her final broadcast on Sky News. She was cheered and clapped out by colleagues, who gathered in the studio.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business news,” she said. “After over a million minutes of live TV news, more than anyone else in the world, it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions, including my love for travel.”
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In an email to staff, David Rhodes, Sky News executive chairman, said: “Kay’s legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky’s legacy. And I’m sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won’t face her indomitable questioning in the mornings.”
He continued: “We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck.”
Burley’s exit marks the end of an era. She was one of Sky News’ original presenters when Rupert Murdoch launched the pay-TV broadcaster in 1989.
Before hosting breakfast, Burley anchored a late afternoon show. She was relied upon by Sky News during major news events and hosted the network’s general election night coverage in July.
She has been in the hot seat for some of the biggest stories of the past four decades, including the invasion of Iraq, the death of Princess Diana, and the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York. The latter clinched Sky News the first BAFTA award in its history.
Burley was taken off air for six months in 2020 after it was revealed she broke Covid rules while celebrating her 60th birthday in London. She apologized for the “error of judgment.”
Rhodes, the former CBS News president, has been evolving the channel’s schedule amid changes in viewing habits and increased competition from GB News.