TV channels forced off-air as global IT outage strikes UK broadcasters

Sky News and CBBC were both left off-air this morning as a global IT outage affected their broadcasting capabilities.

Reports also suggest that several other businesses in the UK have been affected including some parts of the NHS such as GP surgeries, banks, and shops who cannot accept payments for their goods, ITV are also thought to be experiencing issues behind the scenes with other major broadcasting giants globally including SBS, ABC, and Network 10 also reported similar glitches.. Meanwhile, Sky News channel has been showing a slate while off air which reads: “We apologise for the interruption to this broadcast. We hope to restore the transmission of Sky News shortly.”

CBBC have a similar message for viewers stating: “Sorry! Something’s gone wrong. While we fix it, please go to BBC iPlayer ”. While CBBC did fall off air, CBeebies was not hit by the outage. Sky News have resumed broadcasting on some platforms with reduced services, with presenters such as Anna Jones using their phones instead of laptops for scripts and information.

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Sky detailed the outage on X






IT users have been seeing a blue screen

In a statement on X Sky chief David Rhodes said: “We have been back live on TV without full capabilities but thanks @AnnaJonesSky @GarethBarlow re-establishing @skynews on various services.

Forced to improvise, Sky defaulted to airing an old Windrush documentary while scrambling to remedy the problem. Subsequently, Microsoft divulged via its social media channels that it is actively investigating "an issue impacting users' ability to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services."

There were also grumbles about computer issues, with individuals venting their frustrations online. Meanwhile, Sky presenter Jacquie Beltrao received an outpour of support on X, with fans urging for the channel's return after she posted: "We're obviously not on air - we're trying." .

Viewers were shown a slate explaining the outage

"We need our Sky News morning fix lol! BBC News too dry! " one fan penned. "So weird waking up and no Sky News, hope you are back soon.. missing you," another tweeted before adding, "Not keen on BBC too stuffy." Meanwhile, another went on to say: "Sky News is not transmitting either @SkyNews hasn't been for approximately 30 minutes but could be longer!?"

It has been reported that the cause of the disruption is a defective update of antivirus software CrowdStrike, an American cybersecurity firm utilised by multiple British organisations. Meanwhile, organisations such as Thameslink Railway brands, Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern have also been affected. American Airlines has also grounded all of its flights due to the failure, the US Federal Aviation Authority confirmed.

An official statement from Microsft 365 read: "We're investigating an issue impacting users ability to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services." Meanwhile, Australia's cybersecurity watchdog said that there is no information suggesting it is part of a cybersecurity incident. They said: "We're investigating an issue impacting users ability to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services."

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