[Neon Pig]

Yep it looks great and Niall is fab as usual. Show itself feels a little like a patchwork and combination of all their previous and current news chat shows though (press preview, week in review, politics hub).

It does look good. I like the visuals and presentation. I like the week in review style. I understand what you’re saying, and there may be some reasons why. There has to be some consistency across all programming so that it feels like one cohesive channel and brand. While I absolutely love the idea of much more unique programming and presentation, there is a balance between being Sky News and Sky 1 (or Max or whatever it’s called these days) where each programme is indistinguishable from the last.  It just depends on what the channel should look like as a whole. Plus, if a longer term goal is to move to more independent style programming then a phased approach is more palatable and less risky. 

Also, as versatile as the Westminster studio is, it has its limits. So the shows you mentioned will look similar because they use the same set pieces. Albeit Friday Night uses Breakfast furniture. 

I like the use of the desk and the guest on the chairs, but for me I feel they are slightly too far apart - perhaps to make it feel less like an American late night show, which I get why they would want to avoid the comparison.

Budget excepted, I’d use a larger round or oval desk to create a more conversational experience. Or an L-shape desk. 

But let’s also not forget, they are targeting the same demographic so there does need to be some similarity to other programming. I don’t think Sky News is like BBC1 where people only tune in for one show in particular. Yet, at least. 

I do think they need another desk option in Westminster. I understand the thought process of the front screen adding versatility with having programming tags, but it shaped in such a way that it limits what they can do with it, where they can place it and so on. I know it matches the shape of the studio and it worked well for Sky New Tonight and All Out Politics (RIP), but it’s not that good when you want other furniture in the set.