After confirming he was quitting not just the Sky News Australia desk after 17 years, but also television altogether, Kenny Heatley has unveiled his surprising next move.
In an exclusive interview with Mediaweek, the popular presenter revealed he will be joining the Australian Retailers Association in a role that marks a complete shift away from broadcasting.
Perfect timing
Heatly said the role came at the perfect time, calling it the right “off-ramp” from television. “With the Australian Retailers Association, where I’m starting work, I knew I wasn’t going to get a better opportunity. It came along at exactly the right time,” he said.
Despite the change, Heatley said his passion for broadcasting remains.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel burnt out by TV at all. In fact, if this opportunity with the Australian Retailers Association hadn’t come along, I’d still be happily employed at Sky News,” he said.
“I love TV, it’s been a phenomenal career, something I’ve truly enjoyed right up to the last minute. I really felt like I left on a high note.”
A thoughtful departure after 17 years
Heatley said he was overwhelmed by the support he received after announcing his exit from Sky News, where he spent years covering major political stories and national events.
“I got hundreds of messages from all over the country, from viewers, from radio stations, from such a diverse range of people,” he said. “To have that level of support after pouring your heart and soul into your craft for 17 years is absolutely wonderful and humbling.”
He described his departure as “bittersweet,” adding that his decision was not driven by burnout or dissatisfaction.
“I’m not leaving because I was desperate to get out of TV,” he said.
“It’s more that I’ve reached a point in life where I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I started thinking about the next 20 years – do I want to take a risk and do something completely different and challenging? I thought the time was right.”
Before his long stint at Sky News, Heatley began his media career as a weather presenter, a role he once described as “a great launch pad into TV.”
Over the years, he became a familiar face to viewers nationwide, covering major stories and developing a reputation for calm and credibility on air.