Sky News is launching a weekly on-moderated discussion show called The Pledge which will draw on a pool of nine regular panelists.
They include LBC presenter Nick Ferrari and Telegraph journalist Emma Barnett.
Here is the release in full:
Sky News is to launch THE PLEDGE – a new breed of debate show. The weekly discussion programme has a format unique to British television. Entirely unmoderated, the participants are committed to free-speech and lively debate. It’s all about opinions, as five straight-talkers cross swords over five different issues every week.
Chosen for their strong views and range of experiences, a pool of nine high-profile panellists – Emma Barnett, James Caan, Michelle Dewberry, Greg Dyke, Nick Ferrari, Rachel Johnson, Graeme Le Saux, Michelle Mone and June Sarpong – have each made a pledge: to talk straight and tell it like it really is. And, in the absence of a presenter or moderator, there will be nothing to hold them back.Every Thursday, five members of the team will appear on the show, each armed with an issue that they – and the viewers – care passionately about. As they make their case, expect open and frank discussions, absolute honesty – and controversy too.John McAndrew, Director of Content for Sky News, commented: “This is something really different for a TV news platform. Straight- talking, opinionated contributors, no conventional host. We are really excited.”Additionally each week, The Pledge will reveal on television and mobile a musical mash up featuring a news story or individual who is in the news.The Pledge will air from 8pm-9pm and will be filmed at Sky Studios in Osterley.Michelle Dewberry, Nick Ferrari, Rachel Johnson, Graeme Le Saux and June Sarpong will appear in the first programme on Thursday 21st April.The nine panellists include:
- Emma Barnett, Telegraph journalist and award winning radio presenter
- James Caan, entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den investor
- Michelle Dewberry, entrepreneur and former winner of The Apprentice
- Greg Dyke, Chairman of the FA and former TV Executive
- Nick Ferrari, LBC radio breakfast show host
- Rachel Johnson, novelist and journalist
- Graeme Le Saux, former Chelsea and England footballer
- Lady Michelle Mone, Baroness of Mayfair and entrepreneur
- June Sarpong, TV presenter and EU campaigner.
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