Sky News Australia Rebrands as News24
•February 20, 2026
0
Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
The rebrand positions News Corp’s Australian news arm to compete in the fast‑growing digital news market, expanding its reach beyond traditional TV. It underscores a broader industry trend of legacy broadcasters pivoting to multiplatform strategies to retain audiences and advertising revenue.
Key Takeaways
- •Sky News Australia becomes News24 by year‑end
- •New Sydney broadcast centre enhances production capabilities
- •Digital‑first focus adds website and app platforms
- •Programming and talent remain unchanged
- •Rebrand aligns with News Corp’s century‑long legacy
Pulse Analysis
The transition from Sky News Australia to News24 reflects a strategic response to shifting consumer habits, where audiences increasingly favor on‑demand and mobile news consumption. By adopting a name that resonates with both legacy and modernity, News Corp aims to leverage its historic brand equity while signaling a fresh, digital‑centric identity. The timing—coinciding with the network’s 30th anniversary—provides a narrative hook that reinforces continuity amid change, helping retain loyal viewers while attracting younger, tech‑savvy segments.
Central to the rebrand is the investment in a new broadcast headquarters, described by executives as one of the country’s largest multiplatform journalism centres. This facility integrates advanced production studios, data‑driven newsroom tools, and cloud‑based distribution pipelines, enabling real‑time content delivery across television, web, and mobile apps. The accompanying digital rollout—News24.com.au and a dedicated app—offers personalized news feeds, interactive features, and faster breaking‑news alerts, positioning the outlet to compete with pure‑play digital rivals and global streaming news services.
For the Australian media landscape, News24’s evolution could intensify competition among pay‑TV news providers, online publishers, and emerging social‑media news aggregators. By maintaining its editorial team and flagship programs, the brand preserves its trusted voice while expanding its reach internationally. Advertisers stand to benefit from a broader, cross‑platform audience, and the move may prompt other legacy broadcasters to accelerate their own digital transformations, reshaping the market dynamics of news consumption in the region.
Sky News Australia rebrands as News24
Sky News Australia is set to rename itself News24 later this year, reviving a name once used by the ABC’s former ABC News 24 channel, as News Corp signals a new phase for its 24-hour news business.
The rebrand, announced on the network’s 30th anniversary, marks the end of the Sky News Australia name, with the company positioning News24 as a multiplatform evolution backed by a new broadcast headquarters and expanded digital infrastructure.
Paul Whittaker, CEO of Sky News Australia, said the move reflected both the network’s legacy and its future ambitions.
“On our 30th anniversary, we are proud to unveil a new name and new state-of-the-art media broadcast headquarters built for the future of news,” he said.
“Forged from decades of journalistic excellence, News24 is not simply a new name – it is a statement of intent for the future of trusted, fearless storytelling.”
The News24 team. Source: News Corp Australia
A new identity backed by News Corp legacy
The News24 name will formally replace Sky News Australia later this year, alongside a refreshed on-air look, new digital products, and a dedicated website and app at News24.com.au.
Whittaker said the rebrand would strengthen the network’s connection to News Corp’s broader journalism heritage.
“By adopting the ‘News’ script, News24 creates a visible connection to a century of journalistic excellence established by Sir Keith and Rupert Murdoch,” he said.
The shift also reflects the company’s transformation beyond traditional television, with Whittaker positioning News24 as a global digital-first brand.
“The launch of News24 reflects our evolution from a traditional linear Australian television channel to a globally ambitious multiplatform news business with a growing international audience,” he said.
The old ABC News 24 logo. Source: ABC
Same programming, bigger ambitions
Despite the new name, Whittaker said audiences could expect continuity in programming, talent, and editorial direction.
“While our name is changing, our brand of news isn’t,” he said.
“News24 will continue to feature our compelling offering of breaking news, sharp analysis, and frank commentary, with the same experienced team and expert voices audiences know and trust.”
The rebrand coincides with the opening of a new broadcast centre at News Corp Australia’s Sydney headquarters, officially launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Whittaker said the investment would strengthen the network’s journalism capabilities and reach.
“The new broadcast centre will help power a new era in news production and delivery, as one of the country’s largest and most dynamic multiplatform journalism centres,” he said.
The post Sky News Australia rebrands as News24 appeared first on Mediaweek.
0
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...