Where is Dermot Murnaghan Going After Leaving Sky? Why did He Leave?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 08, 2023
Dermot Murnaghan
Dermot Murnaghan, a British broadcaster, has made notable contributions to various news organizations, including Sky News, CNBC Europe, Independent Television News (ITN), and BBC News. His calm and authoritative presenting style has earned him praise, and he has a remarkable ability to connect with viewers.
Born in Barnstaple, Devon, England, in 1957, Murnaghan initially pursued law studies at the University of Essex but eventually switched to journalism. He embarked on his career as a trainee reporter for local newspapers before joining Channel 4 as a researcher and later as a reporter for The Business Programme. In 1989, he relocated to Switzerland to host the European Business Channel.
Returning to the UK in 1991, Murnaghan took on the role of presenting the business segments on Channel 4's newly launched breakfast program, The Channel 4 Daily. Following the departure of original anchor Carol Barnes, he assumed the position of the show's main presenter. However, The Channel 4 Daily was canceled in 1992, leading Murnaghan to join ITN, where he presented the breakfast news program GMTV. Additionally, he hosted the current affairs program Tonight and the political discussion program The World This Weekend.
In 2007, Murnaghan joined Sky News, where he became a familiar face presenting a range of programs, including the breakfast news program Sky News Today, the evening news program Sky News Tonight, and the political show Murnaghan. He also hosted special programs covering significant news events such as the 2010 general election, the 2011 London riots, and the 2016 US presidential election.
Murnaghan is highly regarded and widely respected within the British media landscape. His work has garnered numerous awards, including the Royal Television Society's Best News Presenter accolades in 2008 and 2010. He was also honored as Presenter of the Year at the 2012 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. In 2023, Murnaghan announced his departure from Sky News, culminating with his final program airing on February 25, 2023.
Where is Dermot Murnaghan Going After Leaving Sky?
Viewers of television are already taking to social media to inquire about Dermot Murnaghan's future plans after his departure from Sky News. After nearly 16 years of service, Dermot is bidding farewell to the 24-hour news channel. Fans expressed their sadness as the presenter shared an emotional message online ahead of his final show. On Thursday afternoon, Sky News chief John Ryley, who is stepping down this spring after 17 years in charge, informed Murnaghan's team about his imminent departure.
The reasons behind Murnaghan's exit and his next career move remain unknown. At the age of 65, Dermot announced that he would deliver his last report during the evening broadcast of 'Sky News Tonight' at 7 pm.
Later that evening, his colleagues surprised him both on and off the air, leaving him in tears. Nearly a dozen coworkers barged into the studio to wish him well as he prepared for his program, leaving him speechless.
Dermot's television expertise extended beyond news reporting. In the mid-1990s, he hosted ITV's esteemed current affairs program, The Big Story. For a decade, Murnaghan also helmed the long-running teatime game show Eggheads. He currently hosts crime programs on the A&E networks.
Despite the buzz surrounding his departure, Murnaghan remained tight-lipped about his future plans and did not disclose his next destination. Emotions ran high as he prepared for his final broadcast, and he took a moment to express gratitude to the viewers for their unwavering support. In a playful nod to the movie Anchorman, he playfully threw his papers behind him and humorously remarked, "You stay classy, planet Earth." Dermot Murnaghan is renowned for his captivating interviews with notable figures like Prince Harry, Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama. In addition to his illustrious career in news, he served as the host of the quiz show Eggheads for a decade and helmed crime programs on the A&E networks. With over 30 years of formidable presence in British television news, Murnaghan has been recognized with numerous awards for his exceptional contributions.
Why is Dermot Murnaghan Leaving Sky News?
Dermot Murnaghan has not given a clear reason for leaving Sky News. He only said that he had decided to leave the broadcaster at Easter and that it was a privilege to work there. He did not mention any specific issues or disagreements with Sky News or its management. He also did not say if he had received any offers from other channels or networks. He may have wanted to pursue other opportunities or challenges in his career, or he may have simply felt that it was time for a change after 16 years. He may also reveal more details about his decision in the future.
Murnaghan may have been dissatisfied with the direction of the channel and its coverage in recent years. Others have suggested that Murnaghan, who is in his early 60s, may be approaching retirement age and looking to pursue other opportunities or spend more time with his family. Additionally, some observers have noted that the broadcast industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of streaming services and digital news outlets, which may be influencing Murnaghan's decision to move on from Sky. Regardless of the reasons behind his departure, Murnaghan is widely regarded as one of the UK's most respected and trusted news presenters, and his absence will be felt by viewers and colleagues alike.
However, neither Murnaghan nor Sky News has commented on these allegations. It is also worth noting that Murnaghan has had a long and successful career in broadcasting, having previously worked for the BBC, ITN, and Channel 5 before joining Sky News in 2007. It's possible that he simply feels ready for a new challenge or a change of pace. Regardless of the reasons behind his decision, Murnaghan has left an indelible mark on the world of broadcast news, and his many fans will be eager to see where he goes next.
Is Dermot Murnaghan Retiring?
There have been no official announcements regarding Dermot Murnaghan's retirement from the television industry. Reliable sources have not discussed his retirement either. It is evident that the broadcaster still has many years ahead in his career and may potentially return with a fresh new show on a different channel.
During his farewell show, Dermot playfully tossed his papers behind him and humorously quoted, "You stay classy, planet Earth," a famous line from the comedy film Anchorman.
As part of his final broadcast, a highlights reel showcasing Dermot's remarkable interviews with prominent figures such as Prince Harry, Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama was included. However, it is unlikely that Murnaghan would retire without making any prior announcement to his loyal fans.
Currently, there is keen anticipation to learn where Dermot Murnaghan will be working next and which channel he might join for his future show.
In his career, the presenter has worked on various programs. He started as a trainee reporter for regional newspapers before becoming a researcher and reporter for The Business Programme on Channel 4. Murnaghan then hosted the European Business Channel in Switzerland before returning to the UK in 1989 to host the business segments on Channel 4's morning show, The Channel 4 Daily.
He went on to host shows on ITV, including News at Ten and the ITV Lunchtime News. From September 2002 to December 2007, Dermot served as the main presenter of BBC Breakfast. Furthermore, he frequently filled in for the hosts of the BBC Ten O'Clock News and BBC Six O'Clock News and co-hosted the BBC News at Six on Fridays.
Where is Dermot Murnaghan Going After Leaving Sky - FAQs
Dermot Murnaghan has not officially announced his plans or where he will be going after leaving Sky News.
There are no valid sources discussing Dermot Murnaghan's retirement from television at this time.
It is possible that Dermot Murnaghan may return to television with a brand-new show on a different channel.
During his farewell show, Dermot Murnaghan threw his papers behind him and humorously said, "You stay classy, planet Earth," referencing the movie Anchorman.
People are eagerly awaiting news about where Dermot Murnaghan might work next and on which channel he will return with a new show.