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Sky News Australia Cancels 'Freya Fires Up' After Islamophobic On-Air Stunt

The axing followed an internal review into the program’s guest booking processes.

Overview

  • Sky confirmed the show’s cancellation with immediate effect and said it has implemented the review’s recommendations and taken action with those involved.
  • Host Freya Leach will remain employed as a co-host of Sky’s The Late Debate.
  • During a live September 21 segment, Scottish social media figure Ryan Williams wore raw bacon and delivered Islamophobic remarks before producers cut the interview and Leach apologised on air.
  • Sky said the segment was not published on its digital platforms, though clips reposted on social media spread widely, including a share by far-right figure Tommy Robinson.
  • Reporting indicates the episode aired without senior editorial sign-off, exposing vetting failures on a program that had been on air for about six weeks.