Latest news with #MelissaReddy
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sky Sports News' golden age at an end as rival platforms turn up the volume
A constant in pubs, gyms and hotel breakfast rooms, almost always with the sound down. Perhaps not since cinema's silent age have faces been so familiar without the general public knowing their voices. The vibe is more casual than in previous times, shirt sleeves rather than business suits, but the formula remains the same: a carousel of news, clips, quotes, quips, centred around highlights, all framed within a constant flow of results, fixtures and league tables. Sky Sports News hits 27 years of broadcasting in August, having been launched for the 1998-99 football season by BSkyB. As the domestic football season concluded, news came of changes within the Osterley-based newsroom. Seven members of the broadcast talent team would be leaving, including the long-serving Rob Wotton and the senior football reporter Melissa Reddy, within a process of voluntary redundancies. Advertisement Sky sources – not those Sky sources – are keen to state the changes are not a cost-cutting exercise, instead a redress of SSN's place within a changing media environment. Ronan Kemp, the One Show presenter and Celebrity Goggleboxer, is understood to be in discussions to join Sky and despite Wotton's departure, Ref Watch will still be serving those who get their kicks from re-refereeing matches and VAR calls. Rolling news, which became common currency around the time of the initial Gulf war with Iraq is no longer the go-to information environment. Sky News, SSN's sister organisation, is going through similar changes, including the loss of the veteran anchor Kay Burley. The smartphone, where news alerts supplant even social media, takes the strain of keeping the world informed of Micky van de Ven's latest hamstring injury. Desperate to hear even more from Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville? There are podcasts and YouTube channels available at a swipe. In the US, ESPN's SportsCenter and its accompanying ESPNews channel were the progenitors of a medium copied globally and by Sky in launching SSN. SportsCenter is a flagship in marked decline from a golden 1990s era that made American household names of presenters such as Stuart Scott, Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick. ESPN, an organisation in the process of taking itself to digital platforms as cable TV gets mothballed, closed SportsCenter's Los Angeles studio in March. Linear TV's death will be slow, but it is dying nonetheless as streaming, all bundles and consumer choice, takes hold. Meanwhile, YouTube channels, with production values way below industry standard, amass huge audiences for fan-owned, independent media. Advertisement The time of viewers tuning in for 10pm highlights voiced over by presenters' catchphrases – Scott's 'boo yah!' being the prime example – has long passed. Social media and YouTube have killed the demand. Though live sports remain the foundation of broadcasting contracts, highlights and analysis can be watched at the time of the viewers' choice. Digital is where the eyeballs go, and what the advertising dollar is attracted to, despite the ubiquity of Go Compare et al. Viewing figures remain healthy but the game is now about far more than ratings. SSN's imperial period was the early millennium days of Dave Clark and Kirsty Gallacher's toothsome double act, to a time when the yellow ticker of breaking news held great sway, though not always delivering on its promise of earthquake journalism (news of Nicky Shorey's Reading contract extension, anyone?). Millie Clode, Di Stewart, Charlotte Jackson, Kelly Cates: a nation turned its lonely eyes to them. Then there was transfer deadline day, more important than the football itself. Long, frantic hours spent hearing Jim White's Glaswegian whine declare anything could happen on this day of days. In the early years it often did, from Peter Odemwingie's mercy dash to Loftus Road to the brandishing of a sex toy in the earhole of reporter Alan Irwin outside Everton's training ground. Another reporter, Andy 'four phones' Burton, labelled the night the 2008 window closed: 'The best day of my life, apart from when my son was born.' Eventually, though, it became too knowing. Not even White's yellow tie, as garish as his hype, accompanied by Natalie Sawyer's yellow dress, could stop the event from becoming desperate hours chasing diminishing returns. Live television is a challenging environment, especially with nothing to feed off. Advertisement Though many presenters have been lampooned – abused in the more carrion social media age – the difficulty of 'going live' with an earpiece full of instructions and timings should never be underestimated. How does Mike Wedderburn, the channel's first presenter, make it look so easy? When, in a broadcasting-carriage dispute between Virgin and Sky, Setanta Sports News was given brief life in 2007 – 22 months as the Dagmar to Sky's Queen Vic – it was made apparent how hard, and costly, the business can be. Over-exposure to SSN – as happens when someone works in a newspaper sports department, say – can lead to contempt. The joins can be seen, too. Haven't they done that same gag for the past six hours and each time pretended it was an ad lib? Just what is Gary Cotterill up to this time? Why did Bryan Swanson always use such portentous tones? From morning till night, it would be ever-present. On weekend evenings, when you caught the skilled veteran duo of Julian Waters and the late David Bobin running through the day's events, you knew it was time to leave the office, down that late drink, question your life choices, the pair's clipped tones taking on the effect of a lonely late-night cab ride. SSN is forced to move with the times. As is the case across the industry, journalists have often been supplanted by influencers, as the mythical, perhaps unreachable, 'younger audience' is chased. That is not to say the channel is short of decent reporting. In the aftermath of the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol produced a superb account of the ensuing chaos and danger while others floundered for detail. Advertisement SSN, like SportsCenter across the Atlantic, is now more a production factory for content being sent across the internet, published to multiple platforms, than it is a rolling news channel. Within press statements around the redundancies there was the word 'agile', a term repurposed – and overused – in the business world, but meaning doing more with less. Next season, as heavily trailed on SSN right now, Sky will have 215 Premier League live matches to show, including every game played on Sundays. That requires the company's shift in focus, for Sky Sports News in particular. Though look up wherever you are and it will still be on in the corner, almost certainly with the sound down.
The Guardian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sky Sports News' golden age at an end as rival platforms turn up the volume
A constant in pubs, gyms and hotel breakfast rooms, almost always with the sound down. Perhaps not since cinema's silent age have faces been so familiar without the general public knowing their voices. The vibe is more casual than in previous times, shirt sleeves rather than business suits, but the formula remains the same: a carousel of news, clips, quotes, quips, centred around highlights, all framed within a constant flow of results, fixtures and league tables. Sky Sports News hits 27 years of broadcasting in August, having been launched for the 1998-99 football season by BSkyB. As the domestic football season concluded, news came of changes within the Osterley-based newsroom. Seven members of the broadcast talent team would be leaving, including the long-serving Rob Wotton and the senior football reporter Melissa Reddy, within a process of voluntary redundancies. Sky sources – not those Sky sources – are keen to state the changes are not a cost-cutting exercise, instead a redress of SSN's place within a changing media environment. Ronan Kemp, the One Show presenter and Celebrity Goggleboxer, is understood to be in discussions to join Sky and despite Wotton's departure, Ref Watch will still be serving those who get their kicks from re-refereeing matches and VAR calls. Rolling news, which became common currency around the time of the initial Gulf war with Iraq is no longer the go-to information environment. Sky News, SSN's sister organisation, is going through similar changes, including the loss of the veteran anchor Kay Burley. The smartphone, where news alerts supplant even social media, takes the strain of keeping the world informed of Micky van de Ven's latest hamstring injury. Desperate to hear even more from Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville? There are podcasts and YouTube channels available at a swipe. In the US, ESPN's SportsCenter and its accompanying ESPNews channel were the progenitors of a medium copied globally and by Sky in launching SSN. SportsCenter is a flagship in marked decline from a golden 1990s era that made American household names of presenters such as Stuart Scott, Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick. ESPN, an organisation in the process of taking itself to digital platforms as cable TV gets mothballed, closed SportsCenter's Los Angeles studio in March. Linear TV's death will be slow, but it is dying nonetheless as streaming, all bundles and consumer choice, takes hold. Meanwhile, YouTube channels, with production values way below industry standard, amass huge audiences for fan-owned, independent media. The time of viewers tuning in for 10pm highlights voiced over by presenters' catchphrases – Scott's 'boo yah!' being the prime example – has long passed. Social media and YouTube have killed the demand. Though live sports remain the foundation of broadcasting contracts, highlights and analysis can be watched at the time of the viewers' choice. Digital is where the eyeballs go, and what the advertising dollar is attracted to, despite the ubiquity of Go Compare et al. Viewing figures remain healthy but the game is now about far more than ratings. SSN's imperial period was the early millennium days of Dave Clark and Kirsty Gallacher's toothsome double act, to a time when the yellow ticker of breaking news held great sway, though not always delivering on its promise of earthquake journalism (news of Nicky Shorey's Reading contract extension, anyone?). Millie Clode, Di Stewart, Charlotte Jackson, Kelly Cates: a nation turned its lonely eyes to them. Then there was transfer deadline day, more important than the football itself. Long, frantic hours spent hearing Jim White's Glaswegian whine declare anything could happen on this day of days. In the early years it often did, from Peter Odemwingie's mercy dash to Loftus Road to the brandishing of a sex toy in the earhole of reporter Alan Irwin outside Everton's training ground. Another reporter, Andy 'four phones' Burton, labelled the night the 2008 window closed: 'The best day of my life, apart from when my son was born.' Eventually, though, it became too knowing. Not even White's yellow tie, as garish as his hype, accompanied by Natalie Sawyer's yellow dress, could stop the event from becoming desperate hours chasing diminishing returns. Live television is a challenging environment, especially with nothing to feed off. Though many presenters have been lampooned – abused in the more carrion social media age – the difficulty of 'going live' with an earpiece full of instructions and timings should never be underestimated. How does Mike Wedderburn, the channel's first presenter, make it look so easy? When, in a broadcasting-carriage dispute between Virgin and Sky, Setanta Sports News was given brief life in 2007 – 22 months as the Dagmar to Sky's Queen Vic – it was made apparent how hard, and costly, the business can be. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Over-exposure to SSN – as happens when someone works in a newspaper sports department, say – can lead to contempt. The joins can be seen, too. Haven't they done that same gag for the past six hours and each time pretended it was an ad lib? Just what is Gary Cotterill up to this time? Why did Bryan Swanson always use such portentous tones? From morning till night, it would be ever-present. On weekend evenings, when you caught the skilled veteran duo of Julian Waters and the late David Bobin running through the day's events, you knew it was time to leave the office, down that late drink, question your life choices, the pair's clipped tones taking on the effect of a lonely late-night cab ride. SSN is forced to move with the times. As is the case across the industry, journalists have often been supplanted by influencers, as the mythical, perhaps unreachable, 'younger audience' is chased. That is not to say the channel is short of decent reporting. In the aftermath of the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol produced a superb account of the ensuing chaos and danger while others floundered for detail. SSN, like SportsCenter across the Atlantic, is now more a production factory for content being sent across the internet, published to multiple platforms, than it is a rolling news channel. Within press statements around the redundancies there was the word 'agile', a term repurposed – and overused – in the business world, but meaning doing more with less. Next season, as heavily trailed on SSN right now, Sky will have 215 Premier League live matches to show, including every game played on Sundays. That requires the company's shift in focus, for Sky Sports News in particular. Though look up wherever you are and it will still be on in the corner, almost certainly with the sound down.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA-born sports journalist exits Sky Sports
South African-born journalist Melissa Reddy is one of seven presenters who have now parted ways with the British sports broadcaster Sky Sports. According to the UK-based publication Daily Mail, Reddy and her colleagues were recently informed that their roles had been made redundant. An insider told the publication that this was not a cost-cutting decision, but rather one aimed at ensuring their football audience is better served. Reddy first joined the network in 2022 as a senior football reporter, following her role as deputy editor of Kick Off magazine in South Africa. Others affected by the recent move include Teddy Porter, Jasper Taylor, Jeremy Langdon and Ladumo Olow. She has since taken to Instagram, highlighting that while one chapter has come to an end, another opportunity lies ahead. She also hinted that she might be releasing her own book, sharing stories of some of her greatest experiences. 'Eleventh! Season of Premier League coverage done, and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them, but I'm genuinely so excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions,' she wrote. 'For those that have been asking for the past five years, yes – that will include new books.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Reddy (@melissa_reddy) She later added that she had received numerous well-wishes and support from many industry colleagues and those in the sporting fraternity, before concluding: 'You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.' Also see: ' I feel things' – Mac G opens up about DSTV axe The post South African sports reporter's journey ends with Sky Sports appeared first on Bona Magazine.
The South African
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Melissa Reddy axed by Sky Sports, breaks silence on 'abuse'
South African journalist Melissa Reddy has confirmed her departure from Sky Sports, revealing plans to return to book writing after a three-year tenure as a senior reporter at the UK-based broadcaster. Reddy, known for her in-depth Premier League coverage – particularly focused on Manchester United and Liverpool – was part of a wave of staff exits announced this week, which also included veteran presenter Rob Wotton, following the cancellation of The Football Show . Other well-known names leaving Sky include presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor, as well as long-serving reporter Jeremy Langdon, senior reporter Fadumo Okow, and a news editor. Taking to Instagram, Reddy confirmed her exit while teasing a new professional chapter. 'Eleventh season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky,' she wrote. 'I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. But I'm genuinely sooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon… YES – that will include new books.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Reddy (@melissa_reddy) Reddy, who made a name for herself through bold reporting and breaking exclusives, added that she's looking forward to focusing on her 'strengths and passions', with writing clearly among them. Melissa Reddy also used her statement to address the racism and sexism she has faced throughout her career. 'After the first press conference I covered in England, a journalist turned to the press officer and said: 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'' Despite the abuse, Reddy affirmed her resilience. 'I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work… You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.' Her message resonated across the industry, drawing support from colleagues including Formula One presenter Natalie Pike, who said, 'Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry.' Football commentator Pien Meulensteen and presenter Reshmin Chowdhury also expressed admiration and support. As one of the most recognisable female sports reporters of colour in the UK, Melissa Reddy's departure is seen as a significant shift in Sky Sports' newsroom. However, her move marks not a retreat, but a pivot to new creative ventures – with her audience eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Axed Sky Sports star's vile 'abuse' she suffered and what she'll do next
Axed Sky Sports star's vile 'abuse' she suffered and what she'll do next Melissa Reddy is one of seven prominent members of staff who have left Sky Sports News, with the broadcaster's Premier League coverage set for another reshuffle Melissa Reddy will depart her role at Sky Sports this summer (Image:) Melissa Reddy has opened up about the abuse she suffered while working as a Sky Sports presenter and her plans to return to the literary world following her TV departure. After joining Sky as a senior reporter three years ago, Reddy became a familiar face on the network, discussing all the latest news and gossip in the Premier League. The South African reporter delved into some of the biggest stories in football, mainly focusing on Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that she would be departing her role with Sky Sports, alongside six other colleagues. Popular presenter Rob Wotton has also left, following a 27-year tenure, after the cancellation of The Football Show programme that he fronted. Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are set to say their farewells to Sky Sports News this summer as well, having spent 18 and 11 years respectively in their roles. Longtime star Jeremy Langdon is another star set to leave, after a 20-year career with the broadcaster. Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and another news editor are set to depart their roles with the network too. Reddy's exit has made the most headlines due to her stature in the network, but the 38-year-old is already setting her sights on the next chapter of her career. In a long statement on Instagram, she said (via the Mirror): "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Melissa Reddy has been a familiar face on Sky Sports for years (Image:for Sky Sports ) Reddy delved into the many challenges she has faced throughout her career as a sports journalist. She openly shared that the situation hasn't much improved since her early days, but expressed gratitude for the support she's received. She continued: "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said, 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!' "I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook." Messages of support poured in for Reddy via her social media post, with many former colleagues sending their best wishes for her future endeavours. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike said: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry." Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." Meanwhile, presenter Reshmin Chowdhury added: "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
