Sky News chief Nick Pollard today announced a range of measures designed to keep his channel "ahead of the competition."
Headlining the changes is the addition of 'SkyCopter', a twin-engine Squirrel helicopter designed to quickly deliver live pictures of breaking news to the news channel's satellite trucks, which will in turn relay the pictures back to Sky Centre for transmission. While American TV audiences are used to aerial shots of live breaking news, with it being somewhat standard practice even for local TV stations to cover car chases, fires, and other breaking news events with a helicopter, it is a method of coverage that has remained rarely utilised in Britain. From September, when 'SkyCopter' is due to make its first appearance, the channel promises:
"Motorway, sea and rail disasters, phenomena such as crop circles, extreme weather conditions - flooding or heavy snow – will see the helicopter coming into its own as Sky broadcasts aerial images live nationwide. "
Sky News will also be opening a new bureau in India, strengthening its international coverage. Seventeen new staff are also being recruited - six reporters, four cameramen, five producers and two text producers. A new team of five producers will work on packaging news stories for transmission through the day with "creativity and excellence."
Pollard also indicated changes to the channel's output can be expected from September, with greater use of Sky's new Westminster studio and gallery for feature programming, such as Littlejohn and Sunday with Adam Boulton. Pollard concluded:
"In an increasingly competitive news environment Sky News is determined to stay ahead of the competition. More staff, a new bureau and the ‘SkyCopter’ will help us to remain not only first but also fastest. We've never been a channel to rest on our laurels - Sky News is constantly looking at ways to enhance its output and the team here is dedicated to achieving that."
Headlining the changes is the addition of 'SkyCopter', a twin-engine Squirrel helicopter designed to quickly deliver live pictures of breaking news to the news channel's satellite trucks, which will in turn relay the pictures back to Sky Centre for transmission. While American TV audiences are used to aerial shots of live breaking news, with it being somewhat standard practice even for local TV stations to cover car chases, fires, and other breaking news events with a helicopter, it is a method of coverage that has remained rarely utilised in Britain. From September, when 'SkyCopter' is due to make its first appearance, the channel promises:
"Motorway, sea and rail disasters, phenomena such as crop circles, extreme weather conditions - flooding or heavy snow – will see the helicopter coming into its own as Sky broadcasts aerial images live nationwide. "
Sky News will also be opening a new bureau in India, strengthening its international coverage. Seventeen new staff are also being recruited - six reporters, four cameramen, five producers and two text producers. A new team of five producers will work on packaging news stories for transmission through the day with "creativity and excellence."
Pollard also indicated changes to the channel's output can be expected from September, with greater use of Sky's new Westminster studio and gallery for feature programming, such as Littlejohn and Sunday with Adam Boulton. Pollard concluded:
"In an increasingly competitive news environment Sky News is determined to stay ahead of the competition. More staff, a new bureau and the ‘SkyCopter’ will help us to remain not only first but also fastest. We've never been a channel to rest on our laurels - Sky News is constantly looking at ways to enhance its output and the team here is dedicated to achieving that."
