Sky News UK Ends Partnership with “Sky News Arabia” Following Accusations of Political Propaganda

Sky News UK is moving to terminate its partnership with Sky News Arabia—partially owned by the United Arab Emirates—following allegations that the Arabic-language channel engaged in political propaganda and attempted to “whitewash” abuses attributed to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a report by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper stated that Sky UK has already notified IMI, an Emirati media company involved in international investments and responsible for operating Sky News Arabia, of its decision to withdraw the license for using the Sky News brand by the end of this year.

According to the report, the decision will effectively dissolve the 50-50 joint venture between Sky News and IMI, a partnership established in 2010 with the aim of launching an Arabic news channel carrying the British network’s identity.

IMI previously sparked significant controversy in 2023 when it attempted—alongside the U.S.-based RedBird Capital Partners—to acquire The Telegraph. The bid was ultimately halted amid strong objections related to press freedom and editorial independence.

The Telegraph added in its latest report that the British decision comes in response to direct accusations that Sky News Arabia has been engaging in “propaganda” and “denial of genocide” allegedly committed by the RSF in Sudan.

This development raises a broader question about whether it will mark a shift in how Western media institutions approach partnerships with state-funded media organizations.