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A small number of Sky News employees attended a social event in London on Saturday night during which COVID-19 guidelines were violated.
As a result of an internal review, Sky News anchor Kay Burley agreed to be off the air for six months, and political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid agreed to be off the air for three months.
Everyone involved regrets the incident and has apologized.
Everyone at Sky News is expected to abide by the rules and the company takes infractions like this very seriously.
In a statement, Kay Burley said: “Today I have agreed with Sky News to step back from my broadcast role for a period of reflection.
“It is clear to me that we are all in the fight against COVID-19 and that we all have a duty to firmly adhere to the rules.
“It doesn’t matter that I thought I was complying with COVID at a recent social event. The fact is, I was wrong, I made a big mistake and I’m sorry.
“Some dear friends and colleagues, some of the most talented and committed professionals in our business, have been involved in this episode and I am so sorry.”
He went on to say that “no one is more proud of our channel’s reputation” and that he was looking forward to getting back to work.
Also in a statement, Beth Rigby apologized to Sky News staff for their “error in judgment,” saying, “I disappointed everyone, as well as our viewers whom we are here to serve.”
He said it was wrong of him to attend the event and hug Kay Burley when he went home, and that it would never happen again.
“I have covered the guidelines throughout the pandemic and should have known better,” he said.
Inzamam Rashid said he had made a mistake, adding: “I feel very bad about how my actions could be reflected on Sky News and the amazing people who work here.”
He continued to apologize, adding: “What hurts the most is that I have seen the hard work, sacrifice and the best of all during the most challenging years.”
