Sky News Triumphs at Royal Television Society Awards with Multiple Accolades
Sky News has secured a remarkable victory at the prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards, clinching the News Channel of the Year title for an unprecedented ninth consecutive year. The ceremony, held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, also saw several of the network's journalists honored for their exceptional contributions to journalism.
Executive Leadership Celebrates Team Achievement
David Rhodes, the executive chairman of Sky News, expressed immense pride in the network's accomplishments. He emphasized that the awards reflect the deep commitment, extraordinary talent, and collaborative teamwork that define Sky News. Rhodes highlighted the network's dedication to upholding its rich legacy in delivering live and breaking news coverage, serving audiences not only across the United Kingdom but also globally, particularly during critical weeks of international significance.
Individual Honors for Sky News Journalists
The awards ceremony recognized multiple Sky News journalists for their outstanding work:
- Yalda Hakim was named Presenter of the Year for her role hosting the international news program The World With Yalda Hakim. Unable to attend in person due to her on-the-ground reporting on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Hakim conveyed that it is a privilege to report from the front lines, engaging directly with individuals most affected by global conflicts. Her notable interviews over the past year have included discussions with world leaders, such as Pakistan's defence minister, who acknowledged his country's involvement in what he described as "dirty work" for the United States over three decades.
- Yousra Elbagir received the Television Journalist of the Year award for her extensive and impactful reporting on the war in Sudan. Her investigations into the "killing fields," where thousands have been targeted, have shed light on a crisis that has often faded from global attention. Elbagir shared that the siege of her hometown, Khartoum, and the destruction of her family home have made the realities of the war painfully personal, reinforcing the importance of the stories she shares.
- Mollie Malone was honored as Emerging Talent of the Year for her coverage of critical issues in the UK, including safety concerns in prisons and the government's strategy on violence against women and girls. Her reporting has exposed how drones are being used to transport contraband into prisons, highlighting systemic challenges.
- John Sparks won in the Digital Journalism category for his compelling coverage titled 24 Hours In The Kill Zone, where he joined Ukrainian troops in areas targeted by explosive-carrying drones, providing a firsthand account of the conflict.
Additional Nominations and Network Recognition
Sky News further demonstrated its journalistic excellence with several additional nominations at the RTS Awards. Deputy political editor Sam Coates was nominated for Political Journalist of the Year, while data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire received a nomination for Specialist Journalist of the Year. Special correspondent Alex Crawford was also nominated in the Television Journalist of the Year category. Additionally, the network's coverage of Syria, titled After Assad, was nominated in the News Coverage - International category, underscoring Sky News's broad impact and commitment to high-quality journalism across diverse topics and regions.
