In a sudden move that has caught viewers off guard, Sky News has vanished from the BBC iPlayer platform on Amazon Fire TV Sticks. The change, which took effect without prior warning, has left a significant gap in the live news options available to millions of users across the UK.
The disappearance was first noted by alert viewers who found the Sky News stream conspicuously absent from the iPlayer's live channel list. The BBC has since confirmed the removal, stating the change was due to a decision made by Sky itself.
What Does This Mean For Fire TV Users?
For those who relied on their Fire TV Stick for a quick news fix, the implications are immediate. The live, rolling coverage from one of the UK's major news broadcasters is no longer accessible through the familiar and free iPlayer interface.
This change specifically affects the following:
- All models of Amazon Fire TV Stick (Lite, HD, 4K, etc.)
- The BBC iPlayer application on the Fire TV platform
- Live streaming of Sky News; on-demand content is unaffected
How Can You Still Watch Sky News?
While the route through iPlayer is now closed, it's not a complete blackout. Determined viewers still have several options to tune into Sky News:
- The Sky News App: Available for free download on the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV devices. This provides full live streaming and on-demand content.
- YouTube: Sky News maintains a live 24/7 stream on its official YouTube channel, which is easily accessible on the Fire TV Stick's YouTube app.
- Freeview: If your TV has a built-in Freeview tuner, you can still watch Sky News on channel 233 without any additional equipment.
Why Was The Channel Removed?
The decision appears to have originated from Sky, not the BBC. A statement from the BBC clarified the situation, noting, "Sky has taken the decision to remove its Sky News channel from BBC iPlayer. We are sorry for any disappointment caused."
This strategic move is widely seen as an effort by Sky to drive traffic directly to its own dedicated application, where it has full control over the user experience and advertising. In the highly competitive streaming landscape, retaining viewers on one's own platform is a key commercial priority.
For now, the change is permanent. Fire TV Stick users must adapt to this new broadcasting reality and seek alternative methods to access their daily news coverage.
