Cathy Newman Joins Sky News as Political Coverage Steps Up

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky News has confirmed that award winning journalist and broadcaster Cathy Newman will join the newsroom in the coming months, taking on a prominent role across its political output. Newman will front the 7pm flagship daily politics programme, launch a new podcast and work on long form investigations and documentaries, marking a significant addition to the broadcaster's editorial line up.

One of the UK's most recognisable broadcasters, Newman arrives with nearly two decades of experience in political and investigative journalism. She first built her reputation at the Financial Times before moving to Channel 4 News, where she later became the programme's first female main presenter. Across that period, her work became closely associated with tough questioning and a refusal to settle for easy gotcha moments, even when interviews became tense or widely shared.

Her reporting has covered some of the most high profile political and legal stories of recent years. These include an eight year investigation that exposed Church of England abuser John Smyth, coverage of sexual harassment allegations involving Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard, and an investigation into British sex offender Simon Harris that ultimately led to a 17 year prison sentence. In each case, Newman focused on sustained investigation rather than quick fire gotcha exchanges.

The appointment comes as Sky News continues to expand its political journalism under its 2030 strategy, with politics positioned as central to its ambition to be a premium, video first newsroom. Newman's role will be fully cross platform, spanning television, podcasting, online and social output, with the 7pm slot evolving to include deeper reporting alongside daily political analysis.

Newman will also continue to produce original investigative journalism, which is expected to play a key role in the future shape of the evening programme. That work will sit alongside Sky News' long form ambitions, including Full Story Films, the documentary production unit launched last year. For a newsroom often associated with sharp questioning, the message is clear. This is about substance over surface, and moving beyond the easy gotcha.

And while we are talking about Gotcha moments, here is our favourite Cathy Clip.

Enjoy.