Sky News abruptly yanked off air after global IT failure as presenter issues apology
Sky News has been taken off-air as a huge technical blunder has caused a series of networks to go down - with the likes of BBC and ITV also hit by the glitch
Sky News has been taken off air following a global IT failure.
The disruption not only affected Sky's UK headquarters; other major broadcasting giants including SBS, ABC, and Network 10 also reported similar glitches. The failures appear to have been triggered by a corrupt Microsoft Windows anti-virus update that managed to affect systems across the globe, with Sky News Australia as well tech companies, banks, and airlines among those hit.
It has been reported that the culprit originated from 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.
Viewers were first clued in when they received an interruption message while tuning in for their 6am news fix which read: "We apologise for the interruption to this broadcast. We hope to restore the transmission of Sky News shortly."
Presenter Jacquie Beltrao raised alarm bells, taking to Twitter, she confessed: "We're obviously not on air - we're trying." Meanwhile, broadcaster Gareth Barlow added: "As you might have noticed, we're not on air at the moment - tech issues that don't seem limited to just@SkyNews. IT and production teams are working on a solution. See you, soon?!"
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, Jacquie received an outpour of support on Twitter, with fans urging for the channel's return.
"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."
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