Kay Burley, 63, retiring from Sky News after 36 years

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Kay Burley is retiring from Sky News after 36 years, she has announced on her final ever show. The British broadcaster, 64, was part of the team that launched Sky News in 1989, and she went on to win the broadcaster a Bafta for her coverage of 9/11. In total, Kay spent over one million minutes on air – more than any broadcaster in the world, she said in the announcement.

Bowing out of her final ever Sky News Breakfast programme, she said: ‘From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. ‘News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.

‘But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. ‘But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.

‘So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer’s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!. ‘Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome.’. Kay has helmed the 6am to 10am slot for five years, having joined the show in 2019.

In December Kay denied rumours that she would be stepping down from the Sky News breakfast show. Explaining she was going on holiday to The Seychelles, Kay told MailOnline: ‘I don’t know where that comes from, but neither of them are true. ‘I am off on the 19th [as] planned and then I am back on January 16.’. She added when asked about reports in the trade press about her supposedly leaving the breakfast programme: ‘Not that I’m aware of, unless you are telling me something new.’.

David Rhodes, Sky News Executive Chairman, shared a note with staff following the news of Kay’s retirement as he confirmed today was her last day on air. He said: ‘Talking with Kay about her plans, we all felt it was more fitting that Kay break this story herself. She’s done that now in her own words, and we’ll be sharing the clip on social channels today. ‘A founding member of Sky News, Kay helped build our proposition from its launch in 1989. She has been a constant presence on our screens over the course of our 36 years.’.

‘Kay covered 12 UK elections, leading our presentation of the most recent vote last summer. There have been numerous Royal occasions and some of the most significant stories of our times – most notably the death of Diana, Princess of Wales… and the 9/11 terror attacks. ‘With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay’s legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky’s legacy. And I’m sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won’t face her indomitable questioning in the mornings….

‘Kay confirmed that today was her final broadcast with Sky News. Of course, Breakfast continues — with the other current presenters and with our Friday-Sunday team. ‘We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck.’. Former BBC Newsnight producer Sam McAlister said she was ‘devastated’ by the ‘absolute icon’ Kay retiring from Sky News.

Sam wrote on X: ‘Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews. ‘An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company. ‘Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background. ‘A sad day.’. Former Sky News journalist Adam Boulton said ‘there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British news and current affairs’.

Adam wrote on X: ‘The one and only @KayBurley announces she is leaving @SkyNews. ‘Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British news and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. ‘Onward Kay I know it’s going to be exciting!’. Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid called Kay Burley ‘a fierce advocate for viewers, a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television’.