In a remarkable display of journalistic excellence, Sky News has once again been crowned News Channel of the Year at the prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards, marking an impressive ninth consecutive victory in this category. The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, also saw Sky News' lead world presenter Yalda Hakim honored as Presenter of the Year, highlighting the network's continued dominance in broadcast journalism.
A Night of Multiple Honors for Sky News Journalists
Beyond the channel award and Hakim's recognition, Sky News celebrated several other significant wins. Home news correspondent Mollie Malone was named Emerging Talent of the Year, while Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir received the Television Journalist of the Year award. Additionally, international news correspondent John Sparks won in the Digital Journalism category for his powerful documentary "24 Hours In The Kill Zone," which provided gripping coverage from conflict zones.
Yalda Hakim's Distinguished Career
Yalda Hakim, who hosts the acclaimed international news program "The World With Yalda Hakim," has built a reputation for her incisive reporting from global hotspots including Israel and Ukraine. Her interviews with numerous world leaders have provided viewers with unique insights into international affairs, making her Presenter of the Year win particularly well-deserved.
Outstanding Reporting from Conflict Zones
The awards recognized several journalists for their courageous work in dangerous environments. Yousra Elbagir has delivered extensive coverage of the war in Sudan over the past year, including a groundbreaking investigation into the "killing fields" where thousands have been targeted. Mollie Malone has focused on critical domestic issues, reporting on safety concerns in UK prisons and examining how drones are being used to transport contraband, while also scrutinizing the government's violence against women and girls strategy.
Additional Nominations Highlight Sky News' Depth
Sky News' strong showing extended beyond the winners' circle, with several other journalists receiving nominations. Deputy political editor Sam Coates was nominated for Political Journalist of the Year, data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire was recognized in the Specialist Journalist category, and special correspondent Alex Crawford received a nomination for Television Journalist of the Year. The network's comprehensive coverage of Syria, titled "After Assad," was also nominated in the News Coverage - International category.
Digital Journalism Excellence
John Sparks' Digital Journalism award underscores Sky News' commitment to innovative storytelling. His award-winning work involved embedding with Ukrainian troops in areas targeted by explosive-carrying drones, providing audiences with unprecedented access to the realities of modern warfare through digital platforms.
The Royal Television Society Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in British television, and Sky News' multiple victories demonstrate the network's sustained commitment to high-quality journalism across both traditional broadcast and digital formats. These honors reflect not only individual achievements but also the collective strength of Sky News' editorial team in delivering impactful news coverage to audiences worldwide.
