Sophy Ridge argues why breakfast television is still the pinnacle of broadcasting

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Breakfast television is the most important time slot for broadcasters. It’s a real honor when viewers choose to begin their day by watching your show, and that trust shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Early breakfast TV hosts like Frank Bough, Selina Scott, David Frost, Angela Rippon, Michael Parkinson, and more recently, Eamonn Holmes, Susanna Reid, and Kay Burley, were more than just presenters. They felt like part of the family – a familiar presence during the morning rush, while people were getting ready for the day.

Let’s be honest, morning news programs need a major update. The way people get their news is changing dramatically. I’m 40, and most people my age now get their news on their phones. In fact, Ofcom reports that over half of adults (52%) use social media for news, and 71% get news online.

When Bough and Scott started Breakfast Time in 1983, television was very different – there were only four channels available, as Channel 4 had just launched the year before. However, established television networks shouldn’t be afraid of change. While it presents difficulties, it also opens up many more possibilities, and I’m hopeful about the future.

People are more interested in the news than ever before. Just ten years ago, I spoke to people outside a Labour conference who didn’t even know who the party leader was – Ed Miliband. That wouldn’t happen today. Now, people are highly engaged with politics and world events, and they’re more informed and have stronger opinions than I’ve seen in a long time. Instead of avoiding the news, people are actively seeking it out.

In a time when it often feels like facts are being questioned, it’s important to remember that the public is smart, well-informed, and actively paying attention. They deserve news that is both reliable and unbiased. As broadcasters, we need to meet people where they are – on the platforms they use – rather than expecting them to seek out our broadcasts.

As a big fan of morning news, I’m really excited about the launch of ‘Mornings with Ridge and Frost’ on Sky News. We – that’s me, my co-host Wilfred Frost, and our editor Emily Purser – are aiming to bring a fresh perspective to how people get their news first thing, and make it work seamlessly in today’s digital world.

Before I joined Mornings, I hosted a nightly show on Sky News called The Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. A surprisingly popular part of the show was my opening monologue, nicknamed “Sophy’s Thought.” It was always meant to be a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of the day’s events.

I recall convincing my team, who were initially hesitant, to explore the topic of “fiscal drag” – not the most exciting subject, admittedly. However, we quickly found a strong online interest in in-depth reporting on various stories and issues, from the details of government policies to important topics like rape convictions and women’s health. We plan to continue this approach on our Mornings program, creating short digital videos for a dedicated and informed audience who primarily get their news on their phones.

There’s a wealth of excellent journalism available in podcast form, with shows like Electoral Dysfunction, The News Agents, and Political Thinking leading the way. We’re also launching a new 10-minute podcast called Cheat Sheet, delivered to your feeds by 6am each day. It’s a quick, energetic summary of the five most important stories, brought to you by Wilf and me. We designed it for busy people who want to stay informed without committing to a longer, 45-minute show.

As a long-time viewer, I’ve always thought breakfast TV is the best because it feels so personal – like you’re hanging out with friends. And honestly, that’s what makes live TV so special these days. It’s a two-way street! We, the viewers, can actually connect with the hosts and share our thoughts. I’m really excited they’re planning to make that connection even stronger – it’ll make watching that much more fun!

I like to think that Frank Bough and Selina Scott would fully approve.

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2025-10-28 03:49