BBC News host announces she’s leaving channel after a decade on screen to join Sky News – and is flooded with support
A BBC NEWS host has announced she’s leaving the broadcaster after a decade on screen.
Yalda Hakim has revealed to fans she is departing the Beeb after more than ten years.
The 40-year-old Australian broadcaster broke the news on social media as she paid tribute to the station.
She told fans: “After more than a decade with @BBCWorld @BBCNews I have decided to depart the organisation.
“I do so with profound gratitude to all of my extraordinarily talented colleagues for their support and collaboration over the years.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to report on some of the world’s most important stories, and I will always hold my time at the BBC with fondness and admiration for the exceptional people who work there.”
Yalda is moving to Sky News, where she will be one of the rolling news channel’s chief anchors.
Hakim will present a new primetime programme as part of a multiplatform offering focused on international news.
David Rhodes, Executive Chairman Sky News Group, said: “We’re so excited to have Yalda join Sky as our lead world news presenter.
“Sky News has always featured an award-winning international news report, with Alex Crawford, Stuart Ramsay, Dominic Waghorn, and so many colleagues on the front lines of our coverage every day.
“Yalda bolsters this multi-platform presentation—her professional accomplishments and personal journey make her an ideal addition to our newsroom.”
Fans have flooded Yalda with support online following her announcement, as one said: “Wishing you the best. Your coverage during your tenure at BBC made everyone proud.”
A second wrote: “your relentless coverage and activism for girls’ education in Afghanistan has been inspirational. Godspeed.”
“Thank you for your excellence reporting. You will be sorely missed. Very best of luck with the next chapter,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “You have made an outstanding contribution to broadcast journalism throughout your time at the BBC, highlighting issues with passion, precision and professionalism.”