Pollard quits Sky News, Ryley to take over

[BGonaSTICK]

Head of Sky News, Nick Pollard has sensationally quit the news channel after 10 years in charge.

BSkyB confirmed that Pollard would leave in September and the decision was entirely his.

Sky News' executive editor John Ryley is to take over the running of the 24-hour news channel from 1st September.

Nick Pollard told MediaGuardian: "There couldn't be a better choice, he is a great journalist and an inspiring man. He will do a wonderful job as head of Sky News."

Ryley joined Sky News in 1995 as an executive producer, pioneering live coverage of major news events such as the Louise Woodward case in 1997, which secured the channel's biggest audience to date.

Dawn Airey, the managing director of Sky channels and services, said: "I'm thrilled that John will be succeeding Nick Pollard as head of Sky News. John has impeccable news credentials and has been a key part of the team for more than 10 years.

"In his new role, he will bring the energy and competitive spirit to lead Sky News forward in the years ahead."

Many critics feel that the multimillion pound Sky News relaunch in October did not make a big difference to viewing figures and subsequently put pressure on Pollard. BBC News 24, launched in 1997, has pulled ahead of Sky News in ratings, rising from an average 5m weekly reach in 2005 to 6m, while Sky News fell from 4.6m to 4m.

Source: BSkyB & MediaGuardian