Sky News Names Former CBS News President David Rhodes Executive Chairman

Comcast-owned European television giant Sky revealed a brand-new management structure for its Sky News Group on Monday. It called previous CBS News president David Rhodes executive chairman of the Sky News Group with “total obligation for Sky’s news services throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

His pan-European function “will concentrate on the advancement of a long-lasting business technique for both Sky News U.K. and TG24 in Italy,” the news channel of Sky Italia, the business stated. Rhodes will report to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Levy was promoted to handling director and managing editor of Sky News U.K., “with the main obligation for the journalism on all U.K. platforms, consisting of digital, television and audio.”

The brand-new management was set after the December news that John Ryley would leave as head of Sky News after 17 years at the helm.

“I am thrilled with these visits, which will make sure that we continue to produce distinctive journalism of which we can all be happy,” stated Dana Strong, group CEO of Sky. “David has a wealth of industrial experience, tactical insight and digital acumen, and Jonathan is an extremely skilled news executive with top-notch judgment and an effective performance history of editorial shipment at Sky. Together they will make sure that development and dynamism is combined with rock-solid journalism.”

Said Rhodes: ” Throughout my profession, I’ve appreciated Sky’s dedication to precise, objective, premium journalism. Together we will bring this essential news protection to audiences around the UK, Europe, and the broader world.”

Added Levy: ” It’s the best advantage to lead Sky News’ journalism when there’s such an immediate requirement for objective and independent reporting and analysis. There is an extraordinary group of reporters here with a burning enthusiasm for compelling visual storytelling. With financial investment in our journalism and audiences growing on all our platforms, there’s never ever been a much better time for news at Sky.”

Nigel Baker, chair of the Sky News editorial board, stated: ” The last 12 months have actually revealed that Sky News’ unbiased, independent journalism has actually never ever been more vital. The Board values the dedication of David and Jonathan to preserving the stability of Sky News and guaranteeing its initial, eyewitness journalism reaches countless individuals every day.”

Rhodes has more than 25 years of experience in journalism, consisting of 8 years as president of CBS News till2019 He formerly led Bloomberg Television in the U.S. and has actually likewise done advisory deal with the L.A. Times and Spotify. Rhodes signed up with Sky as group director of worldwide service advancement from News Corp’s News U.K. in2021

Levy will be accountable for more than 500 reporters all over the world and for “supporting Sky News U.K.’s credibility for precision and impartiality,” the company stated. “He will make sure Sky News stays a leader in ingenious technical production and initial journalism.”

Levy has actually remained in the function of director of newsgathering and operations at Sky News considering that 2011 and was formerly head of politics. Levy and Giuseppe De Bellis, handling director and managing editor, TG24, will report to Rhodes.