Comcast’s Sky News has released a new mobile app that highlights the outlet’s defense, security and technology journalism, the organization announced on Thursday.
“Sky News Defence Insider” costs £15 per month (around $20 per month) and gives subscribers access to exclusive reporting, analysis and commentary from journalists and experts including Defense and Security Editor Deborah Haynes and military analyst Michael Clarke. The app is launching this week with a three-month free trial offer, according to marketing materials reviewed by The Desk.
The app is built primarily around video and includes frontline reporting, expert briefings, explainers and interviews with military leaders, defense experts and other decision-makers.
Subscribers will also be able to submit questions directly to Sky News journalists and experts through dedicated Q&A sessions and community discussions. The service will offer early access to live events and other subscriber-only experiences.
“Defense is an area where Sky News has real authority, expertise and distinctive journalism,” Jonathan Levy, the Executive Editor and Managing Director of Sky News, said in a statement on Thursday. “As public interest in national security continues to grow, Defence Insider gives audiences direct access to the reporting, analysis and expert voices that help explain an increasingly complex world.”
Sky News cited research conducted with YouGov showing nearly one-third of Britons believe the United Kingdom is likely to face a military attack within the next decade.
“For decades, Britain enjoyed a level of relative peace and security that many of us took for granted,” Haynes said. “Yet, with Russia’s war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty about the extent of US military support to Europe in a crisis, understanding defense, security and wider national resilience has never been more important.”
Haynes noted the app will provide deeper access to Sky News reporting as the United Kingdom and European allies reassess their defense and security priorities. The launch follows the performance of Sky News’ “The Wargame” podcast, which generated 3.6 million cross-platform listens, the organization said on Thursday.
Defence Insider will live alongside the Sky News mobile app and websites, which remain free to use.
The launch of a premium app comes as Sky News continues to look for ways to generate its own revenue to support its global journalism mission, beyond income from traditional TV advertising spots.
Earlier this year, Sky News launched a paid podcast offering that charges a few pounds per month for access to “insider” shows with its personalities. Most of the podcasts are available on free platforms as well, but a subscription paid directly to Sky News gives listeners the opportunity to stream podcasts without advertising and receive bonus episodes of shows, among other perks.
