Text services shake-up

Teletext has undergone an editorial shake-up in preparation for a series of new services for Channel 4.

Teletext: ‘fast, accurate information’

The new service, which will replace FourText, is launching on analogue television this month and on digital TV early in 2004. It has details on Channel 4 programming as well as sport, racing, finance, news, weather and lottery results.

Tina Lofthouse is to head the new Channel 4 programme support section. She started her career in magazines, and was lifestyle editor at Teletext until she left in January to go travelling.

Daniel Roseman has been promoted to development editor, with responsibility for editorial development across Teletext’s TV services and websites.

He is replacing development editor Catharine Eccles, who has left the company after having a baby.

Roseman started his career in the regional press, then worked for Travel Trade Gazette before joining Teletext in January 1999.

He has held various positions with the company including duty editor, assistant digital services editor and editorial developer.

Roger Smith, who was at the Press Association for 10 years before moving to Teletext as evening duty editor, has joined Roseman’s team as an editorial developer.

Chris Leggett, chief reporter at the Hampstead & Highgate Express before he became a Teletext feature writer, has been promoted to the newly created role of total entertainment editor.

This section launched on Teletext on ITV in April 2003 and will also feature on Channel 4 from September.

Judy Rees, launch editor of the Teletext on 4 services, said: “The millions of people who use Teletext’s services on analogue ITV, Channel 4 and Five know they can expect a fast, accurate and well-presented information service at their fingertips.

“They don’t need to think about the team of more than 100 journalists, most with years of press experience, working round the clock to craft the service they rely on.”

By Sarah Boden