Kay Burley, the popular face of Sky News known for her relentless questioning, Wednesday morning, declared her retirement from broadcasting.
The seasoned journalist, who has been an integral part of Sky News since its inception in 1989, signed off after presenting her final Sky News Breakfast broadcast on Wednesday.
The 64-year-old Burley addressed her audience, saying, “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.”
Throughout her time, she was known for her incisive and direct questioning skills, often leaving politicians flustered. However, she also found herself at the center of controversy due to her own missteps and tactless remarks.
In November 2019, she “empty-chaired” then-Conservative Party chairman, James Cleverly, alleging he had failed to appear for a scheduled interview on her morning show. The Tory MP, however, countered that he had never been booked to attend.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Burley faced suspension from Sky News for six months after hosting a 60th birthday celebration that violated lockdown regulations. She later conceded, admitting she had been an “idiot” for disregarding the rules.
Following the 2015 Paris terror attacks, she posted an image of a dog, asserting that it had “sadness in his eyes.” Remaining unapologetic about the comment, she later said, “It never haunted me. Dogs do reflect their owner’s emotions. If people don’t understand how animals feel, I have sadness in my eyes for them.”
In the same interview, she referenced her modest upbringing, saying, “I’ve always been something of a Wigan street fighter. Always tried to prove myself, always had sharp elbows. That’s served me well as I’ve come up through the ranks. Am I combative? Only when I need to be. I get paid a good salary to ask the hard questions that people at home would want answered.”
During the Scottish independence referendum, she infamously referred to a campaigner as “a bit of a knob.” Additionally, in 2008, she reportedly grabbed a female photographer by the throat after being struck in the face by a camera.
Reflecting on her career in her farewell address, Burley remarked, “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.”
She further said, “News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events … But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions, including my love for travel.”
In gratitude to her viewers, she added, “I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades. You’re awesome.”
(The Guardian)
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