UK-based Sky News Group ends venture with UAE's International Media Investments

The UK's Sky News Group has concluded its joint venture with the United Arab Emirates' International Media Investments (IMI), transferring all operational control and ownership of Sky News Arabia. The move comes after IMI faced significant scrutiny for its coverage of the civil war in Sudan.

IMI, which is controlled by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, had partnered with Sky News Group in 2010 to launch Sky News Arabia as an Arabic-language television news channel. The venture aimed to rival established broadcasters like Al Jazeera and the BBC World Service's Arabic service.

According to reports, Sky News executives grew increasingly concerned about the editorial direction and reporting of Sky News Arabia, particularly its coverage of the conflict in Sudan. The outlet's reporting was criticized by some for allegedly "whitewashing genocide" perpetrated by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF). UAE officials have consistently denied any connection to the RSF.

Earlier in November, the Sudanese government banned Sky News Arabia from reporting within its territory. This action followed reports by the outlet suggesting a stabilization of the security and humanitarian situation in El Fasher, North Darfur state, a claim that contradicted other reports of mass displacement caused by the RSF's actions. Sky News will continue to license its brand to the Abu Dhabi-based operation under the new agreement.

"The time is right for this change, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the next phase of Sky News Arabia," stated David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News Group. IMI described the new arrangement as a reflection of Sky News Arabia's maturity and an enabler of future growth under a single owner.

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The time is right for this change, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the next phase of Sky News Arabia.