Viewers anger grows over axing
of Sky News Ireland
 By Niamh
Hennessy
Irish people in Britain have been left devastated with the cancellation
of Sky News Ireland’s nightly broadcasts.
For many people living in Britain this was their only link to a nightly
Irish news broadcast.
Sky News suspended the twice nightly Sky News Ireland on Friday November
3. And with the slow movement of the Irish Government in bringing RTÉ
to Britain, viewers desperate to keep in touch with Ireland are infuriated.
A spokeswoman for Sky News said that while they have axed the dedicated
broadcasts, Irish news stories will not be ignored.
She said: “The proposal follows a review which concluded that Sky
News could serve the needs of Irish viewers and maintain a high level
of efficiency by focussing on the availability of Irish news on the main
channel and also across its different media platforms such as Sky News
online, Sky by Mobile and Sky News Active.”
She added that they have no way of monitoring how many people were tuning
into Sky News Ireland in Britain every day.
But numerous calls to The Irish Post expressing concern about the axed
services would suggest otherwise.
One London caller said: “I can’t believe it, I’m gutted
it’s finished. Every other nationality, whether from an entirely
different continent can get their news from home. Yet we, an hour across
the water, can’t. It’s ridiculous.
“It reminds me of Tara TV. Just when you are getting used to it,
they get rid of it. It would be ok if we knew for sure when RTÉ
was going to be made available. But at the rate that has been going at,
I’ll be six-feet-under by the time it is.”
The Sky spokeswoman refused to comment on Irish people across the water
having lost their only television broadcast of Irish news by this latest
decision and added only that Sky is not aware of any complaints from viewers.
But she did admit that it was a very difficult time for everyone at the
station.
Head of Sky News, John Ryley said: “The Sky News Ireland team has
produced a high quality product, some outstanding journalism and attracted
a loyal audience.
“The decision to change direction is a difficult one but our commitment
to choice and innovation means that we will always take risks and try
new ideas.”
He added that Irish stories will remain an integral part of the main channel.
According to reports, former anchor Grainne Seoige is reeling over the
closure which will mean many of her old colleagues will be without jobs
just weeks before Christmas.
Seoige — now an RTÉ afternoon show host —maintains
close contact with her former workmates and is said to be “devastated”.
Seoige was the face of Sky News Ireland before she was poached in early
summer by RTÉ to do a new topical series.
Just five out of 25 people will be kept on at Sky News Ireland’s
HQ in Dublin to cover Irish stories and maintain Irish content.
After the service is finished the MD of Sky Ireland Delia Bushell and
other senior executives will “enter into consultation with staff
in an effort to find jobs elsewhere,” and see what other opportunities
may be available .
Some may find work at the organisation in Britain, if there are opportunities
there, said a station representative.
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