Bizarre reason for Ian King’s exit from Sky News after a decade revealed after presenter had major fallout with bosses
IAN King’s exit from Sky News after a decade has been revealed after he fell out with bosses over his show.
The business presenter and journalist, will leave the channel early next year having presented Business Live and its previous incarnations for the 24-hour network.
The reason behind Ian King’s departure from Sky News has been revealed[/caption]David Rhodes, Sky News Group Executive Chairman, confirmed the news in a letter to colleagues on Friday.
He added that Ian will continue to work on Sky’s digital platforms until he eventually leaves the business.
But The Sun can reveal Ian’s departure comes after he was left furious over a decision by bosses to relocate the Sky Business studio.
Until September this year, it had been located at Fleet Place in Central London, before operations moved to Sky’s main campus in Osterley, West London.
It’s understood both Ian and other colleagues had told bosses guests would be less likely to travel further afield during the day for in-person interviews on big, agenda-setting stories.
A Sky insider said: “Ian made his feelings extremely clear from the beginning once it became certain Sky wouldn’t be renewing their lease for the studio space.
“He was against the idea of moving the output to West London and broadcasting from the small popup studio which is based in the main newsroom.
“Since the move Ian hasn’t presented a show from the new studio, but has been working behind-the-scenes in his role on the business desk.
“His departure has been mutually agreed with Sky bosses.”
The source added: “The business show will continue for now but bosses have yet to decide on the future of the format.
“They do remain committed to airing a standalone show and Darren McCaffrey and Paul Kelso have agreed to continue hosting until a long-term plan is put in place.”
A spokesperson for Sky News said: “Business Live will continue to be on air and we are committed to the programme.”
Buisness Live with Ian King was broadcast Monday to Friday from 11.30am until 4.30pm.
Who is on Sky News?
Who are the Sky News presenters? We take a look.
Chief Presenter
- Kay Burley
- Mark Austin
- Anna Botting
Lead presenter
- Sophy Ridge (politics)
- Sarah-Jane Mee (UK news)
- Yalda Hakim (world news)
- Ian King (business)
Presenters
- Jacquie Beltrao (Sports)
- Wilfred frost
- Anna Jones
- Sally Lockwood
- Kamali Melbourne
- Samantha Washington
- Trevor Phillips
- Gillian Joseph
- Jayne Secker
- Jonathan Samuels
- Niall Paterson
- Gareth Barlow
- Saima Mohsin
- Matt Barbet