Sky Kids boosts news output for young people with FYI: Weekly News Show revamp

Award winning Sky Kids’ news service “FYI: For Your Info” is increasing its reach of news and sport content for young people (age 9-15), with short news videos set to be released across the week on Sky News social platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube in addition to the usual weekly show that broadcasts every weekend on Sky News (Freeview 233, Sky 501, Virgin 603, BT 313). Sports videos will also air on the Sky Sports News channel.

The expansion of news output kick starts this week after Ofcom research* reveals that young people are viewing news content in shorter bursts on a variety of platforms. The shorter form content will aid discoverability and serve young people trusted news in a format they want.

FYI: For Your Info will still feature news reported by young people for young people, responding to topical issues such as the general election and climate issues, uncovering exclusives and giving viewers the chance to hear kids’ opinions from across the UK on the news of the day. Videos will also be sent to thousands of schools via the Sky Kids and First News Education TV partnership for use in the classroom and a growing number of FYI News Clubs.

As well as the weekly news service, half-hour specials ‘FYI Investigates’ will look in-depth at important matters that affect kids’ lives. This award-winning spin off will double to four specials per year.

Lucy Murphy, Director of Kids Content said: “It is fantastic to see FYI expand, reaching more children wherever they are accessing information about news and current affairs.  In an age where children – like adults – are having an increasingly difficult time navigating fake news and misinformation online the provision of quality news for children and young people on social platforms is an important step forward.”

As part of the revamp, Sky Kids FYI: For Your Info will be partnering with Sky Up Digital Hubs, a Sky initiative that advances digital equity in our most underserved communities across the UK by providing reliable internet connection, tech equipment and digital training. Throughout the year, Sky Kids FYI will be visiting Digital Hubs across the UK, giving a platform to young people who traditionally have not talked about the issues that matter most to them.

FYI news videos will be released under the trusted Sky News and Sky Sports channels. Social platforms will provide safety functionalities such as disabling comments and selecting ‘made for kids’ on YouTube.

Nicky Cox, CEO of Fresh Start Media said:  “We are excited that the new format for FYI will allow us to react quickly to news as it happens and that we’ll be reaching thousands of schools through First News with FYI’s daily video news reports. These reports will complement the weekly show, often accompanied by resources for teachers who can face difficult questions by students about world events.”