The Ownership of Sky News: A Detailed Look
Sky News is a British news channel that has been providing news to UK audiences since its launch in 1989. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most popular news channels in the UK, covering a wide range of topics, from politics and business to entertainment and sports. The channel has earned a reputation for providing accurate and timely news reports, and has received numerous awards for its journalism.
Despite its popularity, many people are unaware of who actually owns Sky News. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the ownership of Sky News, including its history, current ownership, and the companies owned by the current owner.
History of Sky News
Sky News was launched in 1989 as a 24-hour news channel that was available on cable and satellite television. At the time, it was the first UK news channel to provide 24-hour coverage, and it quickly became popular among UK audiences. Over the years, Sky News has covered a wide range of topics and events, from the Gulf War and the 9/11 attacks to the Brexit referendum and the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the early years of Sky News, the channel was owned by News Corporation, a media conglomerate founded by Australian businessman Rupert Murdoch. Under News Corporation, Sky News became one of the most influential news channels in the UK, providing in-depth coverage of major events and breaking news stories.
Ownership of Sky Group
In 2018, Comcast Corporation, the American telecommunications conglomerate, acquired Sky Group for $39 billion, making it the new owner of Sky News. This acquisition was one of the largest in media history and gave Comcast a significant presence in the UK market.
Before the acquisition, Sky Group was a major player in the UK media industry, owning a number of popular television networks and production companies. In addition to Sky News, Sky Group owned Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and Sky Atlantic, among others. The acquisition by Comcast was seen as a major shift in the UK media landscape, as it brought together two of the biggest players in the industry.
Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation is one of the largest telecommunications conglomerates in the world. It was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company has a wide range of businesses, including cable and internet services, film and television production, and theme parks.
Comcast is best known for its cable television and internet services, which are available to over 28 million customers worldwide. In addition to its telecommunications businesses, Comcast also owns a number of media companies, including NBCUniversal and DreamWorks Animation.
List of Companies Owned by Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation owns a number of companies in addition to Sky Group. Here is a list of some of the major companies owned by Comcast Corporation:
- NBCUniversal: a media company that owns a wide range of television networks, film studios, and theme parks. It is one of the largest media companies in the world.
- DreamWorks Animation: a film studio that produces animated films and television shows. It is best known for its franchises such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon.
- Universal Pictures: a film studio that produces and distributes films and television shows. It is one of the oldest and most successful film studios in Hollywood.
- Xfinity: a brand of cable television and internet services that is owned by Comcast Corporation. Xfinity is one of the largest cable providers in the US, with over 26 million customers.
- Sky Group: a media company that owns a number of television networks and production companies. Sky Group is based in the UK and is one of the largest media companies in Europe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sky News is owned by Sky Group, which is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Comcast Corporation is a large telecommunications conglomerate that also owns other media companies such as NBCUniversal and DreamWorks Animation. The acquisition of Sky Group in 2018 was a major milestone for Comcast, as it gave the company a significant presence in the UK market. As Sky News continues to provide news to UK audiences, its ownership by Comcast Corporation will undoubtedly continue to shape the media landscape in the UK and beyond.
