Sky News Ireland "changes focus"

[BGonaSTICK]

Sky News Ireland is to drop its twice nightly 30-minute bulletins from Thursday, November 30.

The move follows a review which sees the broadcaster focus the availability of Irish news on the main channel, and across different platforms such as Sky News online, Sky by Mobile and Sky News Active.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: "The talented and dedicated 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. Irish stories remain an integral part of the main channel as well as new media outlets as Sky News refocuses its resources in a way that continues to meet the needs of consumers in the broadband age."

According to the website of Irish broadcaster RTE, Sky plans to reduce the staff to four in the Dublin office and from five to one in the Belfast office.