Sky News announces new weekly topical shows with hosts Sophy Ridge, Trevor Phillips and Beth Rigby

Sky News has announced a range of new and returning topical shows to discuss and debate issues affecting the world today.

The weekly evening programmes are designed to highlight “lively debate, discussion and opinion”.

Launching in early March, weekly series Common Ground will see host Trevor Phillips meeting two protagonists with different opinions on an issue making headlines, working to see what might unite them.

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Phillips will also host weekly discussion show The Great Debate, which gives the audience the power to interrogate decision-makers, set to return to the channel at the beginning of February.

Following maternity leave, Sophy Ridge is also set to return to Sky News from mid-March to welcome viewers in her regular Sunday morning slot for weekly political talk show Sophy Ridge On Sunday.

In addition to this, Ridge will also host new show The Take With Sophy Ridge. Using Prime Minister’s Questions as a starting point, the aim is to gauge how well the political parties are landing their points – as well as hearing from MPs, the show will also invite viewers to give their take on the political headlines.

The new shows come following the previous announcement that political editor Beth Rigby will host a new prime time interview show Beth Rigby Interviews…, starting in March.

Head of Sky News John Ryley said: “Sky News prides itself on its impartial journalism. We see it as our responsibility to present our viewers with dynamic, engaging and balanced programming, offering clarity in an uncertain world.

“These new programmes are designed to highlight the lively debate, discussion and opinion that is a vital part of the Sky News brand. From holding politicians to account to hearing directly from the people at the heart of the stories, our news organisation puts the British public at the heart of what we do.”

The Great Debate With Trevor Phillips returns weekly from Monday 7 February at 9pm, while Common Ground will be on every Tuesday at 9pm from early March.

Viewers will be able to see Sophy Ridge On Sunday at 8.30am on Sundays from mid-March, and in The Take With Sophy Ridge at 9pm on Wednesdays. Beth Rigby Interviews… will be on weekly on Thursdays at 9pm, launching on 10 March.

Sky News is available via Sky TV, Freeview, and on the live streaming service on the Sky News mobile and website