Sky News is to cut its staff numbers in Ireland from 30 to six, and discontinue its two nightly bulletins from Dublin, the broadcaster announced yesterday.
Although consultations between management and staff are continuing, the company intends to reduce its Dublin-based staff from 25 to five, while four of its five employees in Belfast will also lose their jobs. Staff were told yesterday that news anchors, correspondents, producers and technicians will be affected.
In a statement, Sky News said it was looking to "refocus its coverage" of Irish news by integrating the output of its Dublin and Belfast bureaux with the main, London-based channel.
"The proposal follows a review which concluded that Sky News could serve the needs of Irish viewers and maintain a high level of efficiency by focusing on the availability of Irish news on the main channel and also across a number of its different media platforms such as Sky News online, Sky by Mobile and Sky News Active," the company said.
The channel, which was launched in May 2004, is to drop its daily 30-minute bulletins at 6.30pm and 10pm from November 30th. However, head of Sky News John Ryley insisted news from Ireland will remain a priority. "The talented and dedicated Sky News Ireland team has produced a high-quality product, some outstanding journalism and attracted a loyal audience. I would like to thank them for their commitment and professionalism to date," he said.
"The decision to change direction is a difficult one, but our commitment to choice and innovation means that we will always take risks and try new ideas.
"Irish stories remain an integral part of the main channel as well as new media outlets, as Sky News refocuses its resources in a way that continues to meet the needs of consumers in the broadband age."
A spokeswoman denied the decision was taken because of low viewing figures, and said the curtailment of the Irish service had the support of senior executives.
The average audience figure from January to September 2006 was 8,000 for the 6.30pm bulletin and 17,000 for the 10pm bulletin, while the average monthly reach was 366,000 for the 6.30pm bulletin and 430,000 for the later one, she said.