Sky News Australia is a prominent news channel in the Australian media landscape. Many viewers often wonder about the ownership structure behind this influential broadcaster that launched back in 1996.
Sky News Australia is owned by News Corp Australia, which is part of Rupert Murdoch‘s global media empire.
The ownership history of Sky News Australia has seen changes over the years. It originally began as a joint venture between several media companies including British broadcaster BSkyB, Seven West Media, and Nine Entertainment.
However, News Corp acquired 39 percent of Sky News Australia in 2016 from these previous owners, before eventually gaining full control of the network.
Recent reports suggest that Sky News Australia might undergo a rebranding in the future. Some media outlets have speculated about whether it could potentially be renamed Fox News Australia, creating further alignment with its sister network in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Sky News Australia is fully owned by News Corp Australia, which is part of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
- The channel began in 1996 as a joint venture between several media companies before News Corp gained complete control.
- Sky News Australia operates as a 24-hour multi-channel news provider across various platforms with potential rebranding on the horizon.
Ownership and History
Sky News Australia has changed hands over the years and is now firmly part of the Murdoch family’s vast media portfolio. Its ownership structure reveals much about how media power is concentrated in Australia.
News Corp’s Acquisition
Sky News Australia is operated by Australian News Channel Pty Ltd (ANC), which was acquired by News Corp Australia in December 2016.
Before this acquisition, Sky News Australia was one-third owned by Sky plc, but the full ownership was transferred to News Corp Australia as part of a strategic move to strengthen the company’s news presence.
News Corp Australia has expanded Sky News Australia’s reach across multiple platforms, including broadcast, digital, and streaming services. This acquisition allowed News Corp to have a 24-hour news channel competing with Australia’s ABC News.
The channel has developed its own distinct identity separate from its former UK namesake. While Sky News in the UK is owned by Sky Group, the Australian version operates independently under News Corp’s direction.
Rupert Murdoch’s Media Empire
Rupert Murdoch’s influence over Sky News Australia comes through his family’s significant stake in News Corp. The Murdoch family owns approximately 39% of News Corp Australia, giving them substantial control over its operations and editorial direction.
Sky News Australia is just one piece of Murdoch’s extensive media empire that spans multiple countries and formats. His holdings include major newspapers like The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, and international outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and HarperCollins Publishers.
The Murdoch media enterprise previously included 21st Century Fox and its film studio 20th Century Fox before selling major entertainment assets to Disney. Fox News, another prominent Murdoch news outlet, shares some programming sensibilities with Sky News Australia despite operating in different markets.
Foxtel’s Role
Foxtel plays a crucial part in Sky News Australia’s distribution network. As Australia’s leading pay television company, Foxtel carries Sky News channels to subscribers across the country.
Interestingly, Foxtel itself is partially owned by News Corp Australia, creating a vertically integrated media structure.
This arrangement gives News Corp control over both content creation (through Sky News Australia) and content distribution (via Foxtel). The relationship allows for coordinated programming strategies and marketing efforts between the two entities.
Sky News Australia programming is featured prominently in Foxtel packages, typically in the news section alongside international channels. Their partnership has expanded to include specialized channels like Sky News Weather and Sky News Extra, providing more diverse content options for viewers.
Through Foxtel’s digital platforms, Sky News Australia has been able to reach viewers beyond traditional television, adapting to changing media consumption habits.
Programming and Content
Sky News Australia offers a diverse lineup of programs that caters to various viewer interests. Their content strategy focuses on news, commentary, and opinion-based shows that have built a significant following across traditional and digital platforms.
Flagship Programs
Sky News Australia features several well-known programs that have become synonymous with the channel’s identity. “The Kenny Report” hosted by Chris Kenny is one of their prominent weekday shows, delivering political commentary and interviews.
Sky News After Dark represents the channel’s evening lineup of opinion-driven programs. These shows feature hosts like Paul Murray, Andrew Bolt, and Peta Credlin who offer conservative perspectives on current events.
“Credlin” and “Paul Murray Live” regularly attract viewers seeking alternative viewpoints to mainstream media coverage. The network also produces “Outsiders,” a weekend program that discusses politics and social issues from a right-leaning perspective.
News bulletins run throughout the day, providing breaking news and updates on national and international events.
Content Strategy
Sky News Australia has developed a multi-platform approach to reach audiences beyond traditional TV viewers. Their YouTube channel has amassed millions of subscribers, making them one of Australia’s most-followed news organizations on the platform.
Short video clips from their programs regularly circulate on Twitter and other social media platforms, extending their reach to younger demographics who may not watch cable television.
The network positions itself as offering perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives. This approach has cultivated a loyal audience base, particularly among conservative viewers.
Digital content is a growing focus for Sky News Australia, with exclusive online segments complementing their broadcast offerings. Their website features articles, videos, and live streams to engage audiences across different devices.
News Corp Australia influences the channel’s editorial direction, aligning with the broader media portfolio’s conservative outlook.
Digital Presence and Social Media
Sky News Australia has built a robust online presence across major platforms. Its digital strategy focuses on reaching audiences through video content and real-time updates on current events.
YouTube Channel Success
Sky News Australia has grown into a major force on YouTube, attracting millions of viewers to its channel. The network uploads regular segments from its television broadcasts, along with exclusive digital content.
Their YouTube strategy has paid off significantly. Videos often feature political commentary, interviews, and news analysis that resonates with their audience.
The channel frequently trends in Australia’s news category. Many videos achieve hundreds of thousands of views, especially those covering controversial political topics or breaking news events.
Sky News Australia’s YouTube success has become an important revenue stream and audience development tool for News Corp Australia, which fully owns the network.
Engagement on Twitter
On Twitter, Sky News Australia maintains an active presence with frequent updates throughout the day. Their account shares breaking news, video clips, and links to full stories on their website.
The network’s journalists and presenters often have their own verified accounts. These personalities engage directly with audiences, creating a more personal connection to the Sky News brand.
Twitter serves as a key platform for Sky News Australia to promote upcoming broadcasts and special segments. They effectively use hashtags to join trending conversations about Australian and global politics.
Engagement metrics show their tweets regularly generate significant discussion, particularly during major news events or when covering divisive political issues. This social media strategy helps extend the reach of their content beyond traditional broadcast viewers.
Controversies and Public Perception
Sky News Australia has faced significant criticism for its editorial approach and content. The network’s reporting style has drawn attention from media analysts and viewers alike.
Misinformation and Disinformation
Sky News Australia has been criticized for spreading conspiracy theories across digital platforms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the network faced scrutiny for its coverage of health information.
In 2021, YouTube temporarily suspended Sky News Australia for violating policies related to COVID-19 misinformation. This suspension highlighted growing concerns about the network’s pandemic reporting.
The channel’s popular commentators have shared contested claims about climate change, vaccines, and international politics. These segments often receive millions of views online, extending their reach beyond traditional TV audiences.
Critics point out similarities between Sky News Australia’s approach and that of Fox News in the United States, both owned by Murdoch interests.
Political Influence
Sky News Australia has developed a reputation for its conservative political stance. Many observers characterize it as right-leaning in its editorial choices and commentary.
The network’s commentators have shown strong support for Donald Trump and other conservative political figures. This alignment has helped the channel connect with viewers sharing similar political perspectives.
In regional Australia, Sky News has particularly strong viewership. Media experts suggest this influence in rural areas can shape political opinions and voting patterns.
Critics argue the channel functions as a propaganda platform designed to advance specific political viewpoints rather than provide balanced news coverage.
The network’s close ties to News Corp Australia, a dominant media company in the country, raises questions about media diversity and ownership concentration.
Comparisons With Other News Outlets
Sky News Australia’s editorial stance and ownership structure create notable differences when compared to other major news networks. These differences affect content focus, political leaning, and presentation style across platforms.
ABC vs Sky News Australia
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Sky News Australia represent two very different approaches to news coverage in Australia.
ABC is publicly funded and generally maintains a more politically balanced stance. It focuses on factual reporting and diverse perspectives across its platforms.
Sky News Australia, owned by News Corp Australia, tends to feature more conservative commentary and opinion-based content, especially during evening programs.
Their visual styles also differ significantly. ABC opts for a more traditional news presentation, while Sky News Australia uses more dynamic graphics and emotionally engaging headlines.
Audience demographics show differences too. ABC typically attracts viewers seeking public interest journalism, while Sky News Australia appeals to viewers looking for conservative political analysis.
International Fox News Comparison
Sky News Australia shares more similarities with American Fox News than with its UK namesake.
Both Sky News Australia and Fox News fall under Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, though through different corporate structures.
The programming style on Sky News Australia increasingly resembles Fox News, with opinion-heavy evening shows and conservative political commentary.
Both networks feature similar formats that blend news reporting with strong personality-driven segments.
This similarity has become so pronounced that Sky News Australia might need to rebrand in the future, possibly even as “Fox News Australia” once its current brand license expires.
Unlike the UK’s Sky News, which maintains more traditional reporting standards, both Fox News and Sky News Australia have embraced a more confrontational style of journalism that appeals to conservative audiences.
Future Outlook
Sky News Australia faces interesting changes ahead as it approaches a potential rebranding. The network announced a “major transformation project.” This includes relocating its operations. These changes come at a time when its Sky licence is coming to an end, according to reports from early 2024.
Despite these challenges, the network seems optimistic about its future. Under the leadership of CEO Paul Whittaker since 2018, Sky News Australia has celebrated record audience growth across both broadcast and digital platforms.
The ownership structure remains solid, with Sky News Australia being 100% owned by News Corp Australia, a subsidiary of the larger News Corp media empire. This was confirmed in early 2025 when it was clarified that the network is not part of any proposed sale of Foxtel.
News Corp’s financial reports have begun to offer more transparency about the network’s performance. The company recently provided a glimpse into Sky News Australia’s earnings as part of what was described as a bumper result for the parent company.
For 2025, the network has already unveiled its programming lineup, suggesting confidence in its continued operations regardless of potential branding changes.
