Sky announces huge shake-up across its channels as beloved feature is axed – leaving viewers devastated
SKY has announced a huge channel shake-up as they axe a beloved feature after decades – leaving fans devastated.
The broadcaster has confirmed its axed continuity announcers from six of its channels.
Sky Max, Nature, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Cinema and Documentaries have lost ‘bespoke’ announcers.
Broadcast report no new continuity – the process where a person introduces a show before it starts – will be created for programming going forward.
The move has also resulted in job loses according to the publication, with staff dropping from 35 to just 19.
A spokesperson for Sky UK confirmed four permanent job losses in a statement defending the move.
They said: “We’re redirecting our efforts in continuity output to the channels, shows and on-demand content that make a difference to our viewers.
“This has resulted in a reduction of four permanent staff and the use of a smaller pool of freelancers.
“We will continue to offer continuity on channels that have high linear viewership such as Sky Arts, Sky Crime, Sky Mix, Sky Showcase, Sky Witness and Challenge to help viewers navigate through the linear schedule.”
Sky viewers have been left upset by the move and flocked to social media to comment.
One said: “A real shame.”
A second wrote: “Not sure how I feel about this. One one hand, continuity announcers lend a personal touch to proceedings and can make it seem like a programme is being presented to just you. On the other hand, a lot of Sky’s announcers come across as quite annoying.”
“It was only a matter of time still a shame,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “Another step closer to the end of linear TV.”
Sky has refreshed its channel offering in the last number of years, axing Sky One after nearly 40 years.
It was replaced by Sky Showcase, which airs a selection of the best TV shows from across Sky’s portfolio of entertainment brands.
Last October Sky bosses axed Pick TV from the TV Guide after 17 years on air.
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