Sky Sports News HQ launches in revamped studio

The overhauled channel went live this morning in the 401 slot on the Sky electronic programming guide, pushing the Sky Sports portfolio of channels down a single notch.

The redesigned studio, which will house a rolling team of around 200 journalists, centres around a “Lazy Susan-style” central desk which enables presenters to be shot from a variety of angles.

A huge 18m squared video wall is located behind the main desk which will be used to highlight the news stories of the day and enable viewers to see what is being broadcast on the six Sky Sports channels.

Sky Sports News has also beefed up its range of cameras with several Sony RF cameras which offer more mobility around the studio. These will be used to film presenters as they move around nine different locations in the studio.

SSN executive editor Andy Cairns said the aim was to make the channel feel more dynamic. “No two hours on the channel should look the same from now,” he said. “We are taking the news out from behind the desk. It will be visibly different.”

New features, located around the studio, include an investigation wall which will display rumours and reports the Sky News team are working on verifying.

A social media desk will also flag up tweets from sportsmen and women and relevant trending topics. It can also be used to show images from events which Sky does not have the broadcast rights to air.

“The way in which people consume news is changing and it’s vital for us to move with the times,” said Cairns. “We will make more use of social media and be more open about the stories we are working on.”

Efforts are also being made to help some studio guests feel more relaxed with the addition of two “softer” sofa areas, while a second video wall will allow viewers to see outside interviewees as they prepare to speak with presenters.

Viewers of Sky Sports other channels will be directed to Sky Sports News HQ through an innovative promotional campaign inspired by the range of live in-game odds adverts launched by bookmakers.

The promos will include the latest headlines scrolling across the screen, while a Sky Sports News HQ presenter will direct viewers to turn over to the channel to view the latest news.