New Breakfast Show with Sophy Ridge and Wilfred Frost Launches

Sky News is set to elevate its morning programming with the launch of a new breakfast show, Mornings With Ridge and Frost, hosted by Sophy Ridge and Wilfred Frost. The show will debut on October 16, 2023, airing Monday through Thursday from 07:00 to 10:00 London time. Alongside the television show, the pair will introduce a 10-minute podcast titled Cheat Sheet With Ridge and Frost, which will provide listeners with a concise overview of the day’s most significant news, available at 06:00 London time across all major podcast platforms.

Ridge has a strong background in political journalism, having previously hosted the primetime program Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge and the Sunday morning show Sophy Ridge on Sunday. Frost, known for his roles with Sky News Breakfast and Sky News Today, is also recognized as the son of the legendary broadcaster David Frost. He contributes to major American networks including NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC.

In a recent interview, Ridge and Frost outlined their vision for Mornings With Ridge and Frost, emphasizing a blend of news, discussions, and interviews that prioritize authenticity and unscripted exchanges. “Authenticity is about communicating with the audience in a much more direct way,” Ridge said, highlighting the excitement around the show’s informal yet informative approach. Frost added, “We’re both massive geeks, but also can have some fun and want to communicate with each other and with a wider audience.”

The hosts also spoke about the unique dynamic they have developed during rehearsals. “Being a presenter for Sky News is often a bit like ships in the night,” Ridge explained, referring to the challenges of connecting with colleagues who have different schedules. Frost humorously noted, “It was impossible for us to even have a drink in the last year, because Sophy would want to go at 20:00, and I’d be fast asleep by then.”

As they prepare for the show’s debut, both Ridge and Frost are keen to engage a younger audience, aiming to attract more female viewers as well. “We’re fairly young, and this will be a fresh take,” Frost remarked, stating their goal to appeal to demographics that traditional news broadcasts may overlook.

Creating an Engaging News Experience

The format of Mornings With Ridge and Frost aims to create an environment similar to informal discussions at a pub. “It’s like the two of us are at a bar, and then the viewer just pulled up the bar stool on the other side,” Ridge said, reinforcing the idea of fostering authentic conversations. Frost expressed confidence that their unscripted interactions would resonate with viewers, stating, “People really do love authentic, unscripted conversation.”

The presenters also acknowledge the inherent risks of live broadcasting, with Frost emphasizing, “There’s a jeopardy of a live broadcast that the viewer is aware of as well.” This unpredictability is a vital aspect that they believe sets traditional television apart from newer media platforms.

In addition to the engaging conversations, the show promises to feature significant guests from politics, business, and culture. Ridge elaborated, “We want to set the agenda in the morning. Rather than following the papers, we want the papers to be following our stories and our interviews,” highlighting a proactive approach to news coverage.

The podcast complements the TV show, providing succinct summaries of the top stories. Frost articulated their objective: “We’ve done the work so you don’t have to,” echoing Ridge’s sentiment that the podcast aims to inform listeners efficiently.

With the launch date fast approaching, both hosts are eager to showcase their vision. “It does feel quite fun to have been given a blank slate,” Ridge remarked, while Frost expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve never been as excited about anything in my career as I am for this.” Their shared optimism reflects a commitment to delivering an engaging and informative experience for viewers and listeners alike.

As they prepare for the premiere of Mornings With Ridge and Frost, the duo is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Ridge humorously noted, “The biggest risk is the alarm clock and just working out how many coffees I can have before going on air.”