ANCHOR AWAY
Kay Burley, 64, retires from Sky News after 36 years and says ‘it’s time for me to indulge in other passions’
Burley was part of the team which launched the channel in 1989
KAY Burley has announced she is retiring from Sky News after 36 years.
The broadcaster, 64, closed the final show of her Sky News Breakfast programme this morning.
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She said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.
"News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
"But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
"But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel.
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"So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!
"Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome.
"I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch."
Burley has hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019.
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She first joined Sky when it launched in 1988 and claims to have hosted more live television than any other broadcaster.
Burley has been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Sky bosses took Burley off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement".
Burley has a grown up son called Alexander, who she shares with her ex-husband Steve Kunter.
As well as hosting live TV, Burley published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012.
Last day on air
DAVID Rhodes, Sky News Executive Chairman, shared a note with staff following the news Kay Burley will retire from Sky News after 36 years, as he confirmed today was her last day on air.
He said: "Talking with Kay about her plans, we all felt it was more fitting that Kay break this story herself.
"She's done that now in her own words, and we'll be sharing the clip on social channels today.
"A founding member of Sky News, Kay helped build our proposition from its launch in 1989.
"She has been a constant presence on our screens over the course of our 36 years.
"Kay covered 12 UK elections, leading our presentation of the most recent vote last summer.
"There have been numerous Royal occasions and some of most significant stories of our times - most notably the death of Diana, Princess of Wales... and the 9/11 terror attacks.
"With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay's legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky's legacy.
"And I'm sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won't face her indomitable questioning in the mornings...
"Kay confirmed that today was her final broadcast with Sky News. Of course, Breakfast continues - with the other current presenters and with our Friday-Sunday team.
"We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck."
The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television.
She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader.
From 1987, she presented TV-am's first hour, filling in for Caroline Righton and covering for Anne Diamond during their maternity leave.
She recently revealed her "baby sister" Jacqueline is cancer free.
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Burley has said she has had many breast cancer scares throughout her life - with an 80 per cent risk of suffering from the disease.
She now has a mammogram and an ultrasound every six months so that she has the best chance of beating it.
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