Thirty years ago Sky News Australia revolutionised the way we watched the news – launching the nation’s first 24-hour news channel and setting a new standard for live television reporting.
Today, we evolve again.
On our 30th anniversary, we are proud to unveil a new name and new state-of-the-art media broadcast headquarters built for the future of news.
Welcome to News24.
Forged from decades of journalistic excellence, News24 is not simply a new name — it is a statement of intent for the future of trusted, fearless storytelling.
Launching later this year News24 embraces the heritage and editorial credentials of one of the world’s great journalism companies.
By adopting the “News” script, News24 creates a visible connection to a century of journalistic excellence established by Sir Keith and Rupert Murdoch.
This commitment to the profound importance of journalism continues under the leadership of News Corp’s Global Chair Lachlan Murdoch.
The launch of News24 reflects our evolution from a traditional linear Australian television channel to a globally ambitious multiplatform news business with a growing international audience.
While our name is changing, our brand of news isn’t.
News24 will continue to feature our compelling offering of breaking news, sharp analysis, and frank commentary, with the same experienced team and expert voices audiences know and trust.
Every night you will still see Australia’s favourite commentators deliver passionate opinions about the biggest stories, and we’ll continue to bring you live breaking news coverage as the place where news is not just analysed, but where it begins.
Later this year viewers will also see a refreshed on-air look, relaunched digital products including a new dedicated website and app – News24.com.au – and enhanced journalism capabilities.
Existing subscribers can continue to find our leading news and opinion content on Foxtel and BINGE and via our direct streaming service. Viewers can also keep watching our content on regional free-to-air TV, FAST channels on connected TVs, listen through podcasts, or on Sky News Radio in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, or catch up on Facebook or YouTube.
Tonight, our new broadcast centre at News Corp Australia HQ in Sydney was officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
But the studio launch isn’t just about the bricks, mortar, and technology that come together in one of the world’s most advanced multimedia news operations.
It is about what those resources enable. Better journalism, broader reach, and a stronger commitment to the stories that matter to Australians.
The new broadcast centre will help power a new era in news production and delivery, as one of the country’s largest and most dynamic multiplatform journalism centres.
The opening of our new broadcast centre coincides with the 30th anniversary of Sky News Australia – the nation’s first 24-hour news channel.
News Corp has a connection with the Sky brand that spans decades.
Rupert Murdoch established Sky in the UK in 1989 – launching Britain’s first 24-hour news channel, Sky News. Sky News was a challenger brand that turned British broadcasting on its head, with the intent to disrupt the dominance of the BBC.
Years later, in 1996, News Corp backed the launch of Sky News Australia – a then joint venture between BSkyB, Seven and Nine – which introduced Australians to live 24-hour news coverage for the first time.
Like its UK counterpart Sky News Australia also challenged the broadcasting status quo, taking on the dominance of the taxpayer-funded ABC.
And challenge it did.
Sky News Australia launched on 19 February 1996 with the historic words: “Good evening, and welcome to a new era in Australian television – the first 24-hour news and current affairs channel.”
We introduced Australians to live rolling coverage, covering everything from the 1996 election to Port Arthur and the bipartisan gun reforms that followed.
Driven by its inherent entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to bring Australians the news live as it happens, this small pay TV channel was soon punching above its weight.
In a clear sign of its importance and influence in the news landscape, in 2016 News Corp Australia acquired full ownership of the channel.
Our coverage has made a remarkable impact across multiple channels, new media platforms and to an ever-expanding audience, with our cross-platform content now reaching 11.3 million Australians each month.
Our unique blend of Australian news, analysis and opinion is now also known globally.
Since launching our content on YouTube in 2019 we’ve achieved more than 7 billion views, and rank in the Top 10 English-language news channels on that platform globally, while maintaining our position as Australia’s #1 most engaging news brand on social media.
Backed by News Corp’s investment and its journalistic legacy, News24 will take our Australian brand of news, analysis, and opinion to larger audiences in more markets than we’ve ever been able to achieve before.
We will continue to deliver real news and honest views — wherever you are — so you can navigate a changing world with clarity and confidence.
That is our commitment to you.