Sky News Australia is marking its 30th anniversary with a new name and a new broadcast headquarters, rebranding as News24 later this year.
The network, which launched on 19 February 1996 as the country’s first 24-hour news channel, says the change reflects its shift from a traditional linear television service to a broader, multi-platform news operation with a growing international audience.
“Welcome to News24.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have officially opened News Corp Australia’s new broadcast centre in Sydney, as Sky News marks 30 years on air.
The new facility, based at News Corp Australia’s headquarters in Surry Hills, brings together Sky News Australia’s television operations with the company’s publishing brands, creating one of the country’s larger multimedia journalism hubs.
News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman Michael Miller and Sky News Australia Chief Executive Paul Whittaker attended the launch, alongside business leaders and presenters including Peter Stefanovic, Laura Jayes, Kieran Gilbert, Andrew Clennell, Ross Greenwood, Chris Kenny, Peta Credlin, Andrew Bolt, Sharri Markson, Paul Murray and Rita Panahi.
During the event, Whittaker confirmed Sky News Australia will rebrand as News24 later this year, describing it as part of the network’s shift from a traditional linear television channel to a broader multi-platform news business with an expanding international audience.
Whittaker said: “Twelve months ago we embarked on the largest transformation project in our 30-year history – to design and build a new broadcast centre and bring our Sydney operations under one roof at News Corp Australia’s headquarters.
“This new facility sets us up to deliver on our next phase of growth, expanding our commitment to Australian journalism while taking our offering to larger audiences in more markets.”
Miller said: “This studio isn’t simply about broadcasting. It’s about connection, collaboration and the relentless pursuit of stories that inform, challenge and inspire.”
The purpose-built centre is designed to support more than 1,500 hours of content each week across broadcast and digital platforms.
Built and commissioned for broadcast in under a year, the site includes eight studios, six control rooms, expanded edit suites and voiceover booths, a large newsroom and updated asset management systems.
The move to Holt Street marks Sky News Australia’s third Sydney base, following its original studios in Frenchs Forest in 1996 and the Foxtel broadcast centre from 2006.
Content agencies Medium Rare, Storyation and Visual Domain are expected to join the Surry Hills multimedia hub in the coming months.
