Sky News returns to air after global IT outages disrupted its morning broadcast

Sky News’ online page, YouTube and TV channel previously displayed an apology for the interruption to the broadcast.

Sky News presenters read from a script on the Sky News channel, before the channel was knocked off air for the second time on Friday morning (Sky News/PA)

Sky News has returned to air after the broadcaster was affected by the major IT outage affecting businesses across the world.

After welcoming viewers back to the channel, the morning anchor reported on the news saying: “A major global IT outage is hitting businesses worldwide, including here at Sky News.”

The presenters referred to printed notes during the report on Friday morning as the broadcaster handled the outage.

The channel ran a stripped-back version of its live news programming, with no clock or graphics on the screen except a stationary bar signposting to the Sky News website, app and X page.

The show also ran without a news ticker, which usually provides updates along the bottom of the screen.

The coverage cut between presenters in the studio discussing the IT issue with experts and roaming reporters interviewing members of the public affected by the outage at locations including Edinburgh Airport.

Sky News’ online page, YouTube and TV channel previously displayed an apology for the interruption to the broadcast.

Following the outage, a Sky News spokesperson said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Sky News has not been able to broadcast live TV this morning, we apologise for the interruption.

“All the news is still available online, on the Sky News app, website, and across our social media accounts.

“We are working hard to restore all services.”

During the disruption, Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao shared a photo of the breakfast team in a post on X, formerly Twitter, and said the team were “obviously not on air” but that they are “trying” to return.

Major institutions across the world have reported computer issues disrupting services, with some airlines warning of delays and some airports grounding flights.

Overnight, IT giant Microsoft confirmed it was investigating an “issue” with its 365 apps and operating systems, and although it said it had recovered some services, it warned that the issue was ongoing and users should expect “service degradation”, according to a status page on its website.

A number of cybersecurity experts are reporting that a faulty update from CrowdStrike could be the cause of the outage.

Britain’s biggest train company Govia Thameslink Railway is also among those who have affected, warning passengers to expect disruption due to “widespread IT issues”.