Sky News Launches Bold New Breakfast Show with Ridge and Frost

Sky News is set to modernize its morning programming with the launch of its new breakfast show, Mornings With Ridge and Frost, on October 9, 2023. Hosted by Sophy Ridge and Wilfred Frost, the show will air from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. London time, Monday through Thursday. The duo will also introduce a companion podcast, Cheat Sheet With Ridge and Frost, which will deliver a concise news summary of the day’s significant headlines at 6 a.m. on all major podcast platforms.

Ridge, who previously hosted the primetime show Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having presented the Sunday morning political programme from 2017 to 2023. Frost, the son of celebrated broadcaster David Frost, is recognized for his roles on Sky News Breakfast and Sky News Today, and he has also contributed to NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC.

Authenticity and Engagement as Key Themes

In a recent interview, Ridge and Frost shared insights into their vision for Mornings With Ridge and Frost. They emphasized a commitment to authenticity and unscripted conversation, stating these elements will be central to the show’s identity. Ridge noted, “Authenticity is about communicating with the audience in a much more direct way.” Frost added, “We’re both massive geeks but also can have some fun… chatting with each other, we can say: ‘Look, these are the other two points that really stand out.’”

The hosts have forged a collaborative relationship during the months of preparation, which has allowed them to establish a rhythm for the show. Ridge remarked on the challenge of connecting with other presenters due to differing schedules, saying, “Being a presenter for Sky News is often a bit like ships in the night.” Frost humorously noted their social interactions were limited, as they both maintained busy schedules.

The show’s format aims to combine serious news presentation with a laid-back conversational style reminiscent of social media platforms. Ridge explained that they want to deliver significant news while making it more accessible. “You want to do both of those in one show,” she said, implying that they aim to create a space where serious issues are discussed in an informal manner.

Frost emphasized the importance of live broadcasting, stating, “There’s a jeopardy of a live broadcast that the viewer is aware of.” He expressed confidence that the unpredictability of live television would engage viewers more than scripted news segments.

Aiming for a Diverse Audience

The hosts are particularly focused on attracting younger viewers and women to the programme. Frost acknowledged this opportunity, saying, “Yes, there is an opportunity for us to try and attract more young viewers, more female viewers.” Both he and Ridge, in their early forties, believe their backgrounds and experiences will resonate with a broader audience.

The show will feature high-profile guests from various fields, including politics, business, and culture. Ridge outlined their goal: “We want to set the agenda in the morning… we want the papers to be following our stories and our interviews.” Frost added that they aim to connect with people who genuinely impact viewers’ lives.

Similarly, the Cheat Sheet podcast is designed to provide listeners with essential news updates. Frost shared the podcast’s tagline: “We’ve done the work so you don’t have to,” emphasizing its purpose as a quick, informative resource. Ridge explained the podcast would feature five key stories and analysis, offering a straightforward way for listeners to stay informed.

As the launch date approaches, both hosts express enthusiasm about the potential of their new venture. Ridge remarked, “It does feel quite fun to have been given a blank slate,” while Frost stated, “I’ve never been as excited about anything in my career as I am for this.” The duo is optimistic their engaging approach will translate well to viewers, with Ridge humorously noting, “The biggest risk is the alarm clock and just working out how many coffees I can have before going on air.”

With a fresh perspective and a commitment to engaging storytelling, Mornings With Ridge and Frost aims to redefine morning news programming for a new generation of viewers.