Sky News announces Cathy Newman to lead flagship new political programme

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Sky News announces Cathy Newman to lead flagship new political programme

Sky News today announces that award-winning journalist and broadcaster Cathy Newman will join the newsroom in the coming months. She will front Sky News' 7 o'clock flagship daily politics slot, present a new podcast and work on long-form investigations and documentaries.

One of the UK's most respected and recognisable broadcasters, Newman brings nearly two decades of experience in political and investigative journalism. She made history as the first female main presenter of Channel 4 News after eight years writing for the Financial Times, where she became known for fearless interviews, agenda-setting investigations and a string of major exclusives.

Newman has reported on some of the most high-profile political and legal stories of recent years, including an eight-year investigation unmasking the most prolific abuser in the Church of England, barrister John Smyth, sexual harassment claims involving Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard, and an investigation into British sex offender Simon Harris, which resulted in a 17-year prison sentence.

Her appointment comes as Sky News continues to strengthen its political coverage under its 2030 strategy, with politics remaining central to the ambition to be a premium, video-first newsroom. Newman's role will therefore be fully cross platform, from presenting a dedicated podcast to making contributions across Sky News online and social output.

Newman will also continue to produce original investigative journalism, which will form a key part of the evolution of the 7pm slot and Sky News 2030 premium strategy. Last year, Sky News created Full Story Films, a long-form documentary production unit focused storytelling across television and streaming, which also opens up possibilities for collaboration.

Cathy Newman said: I'm thrilled to be joining the incredible, multi-award-winning Sky News team. There couldn't be a more exhilarating time to return to Westminster, and I'm hugely looking forward to bringing in exclusive interviews and investigations on a brand new programme, and launching a podcast too.

It's been a total privilege working on Channel 4 News for exactly two decades. In that time I've interviewed eight Prime Ministers past and present, covered five General Election campaigns, attended 19 party conference seasons, and broken stories that saw the Archbishop of Canterbury quit for the first time in history and an investigation that led to British paedophile Simon Harris being jailed. I'll miss my talented Channel 4 News colleagues enormously, but as Mary Shelley once wrote: the beginning is always today'. And I can't wait to begin again.

David Rhodes, Executive Chairman of Sky News, said: Cathy has broken some of Britains biggest stories and brings a clear, engaging style that audiences trust and were delighted to welcome her to Sky News. Our future plan requires just the kind of premium investigative and political expertise that Cathy will bring to our team."

Newman joins an already formidable political line-up at Sky News, including Beth Rigby, Sam Coates, Trevor Phillips and Sophy Ridge.

Further details on the programme, podcast and launch date will be confirmed later this year.

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