ITN and ITV News have appointed Channel 5 News editor Geoff Hill as editor of ITV Network News.
Hill will take on responsibility for all ITV national news programming, ITV News London and ITN’s Tonight programmes as well as the broadcaster’s website and live streams.
His predecessor, Deborah Turness, left ITV in July to become president of New York-based NBC News.
Hill has been editor of Channel 5 News since late 2011. He was previously director of coverage at CNN International, where he oversaw the network’s European, Middle East and African coverage.
He had previously worked at ITN between 2000 and 2009, where he became programme editor for News at Ten. He also launched Setanta Sports News where he was editor in chief and led a 60-strong team.
John Hardie, chief executive of ITN, said: “Geoff stood out in an incredibly high-calibre field of candidates because he has a fantastic track record as a first-rate journalist, programme-maker and excellent leader. He has already made a huge mark at ITN – first at ITV News, then launching Setanta Sports News, and again in returning from CNN to relaunch Channel 5 News. In each role, he’s shown dedication, continual innovation and a capacity to motivate teams to reach new heights that will serve him well in one of the most coveted jobs in TV news.”
Michael Jeremy, director of news and current affairs at ITV, said: “He is an inspiring, creative leader who news teams love working for. He brings a wide range of experience to the role and will do a great job in leading ITV's high quality news service, both on television and online.
"ITV is committed to news and current affairs and Geoff will play a key role in both leading our network news programmes and in working closely with colleagues in current affairs, Daybreak and our regional news operations."
Hill said: “I’m honoured and excited at the prospect of leading some of the finest journalists in the world. From BAFTA and Emmy award winners to multi-media journalists breaking news online – ITV News is full of passionate, talented people who put everything into every programme they make. I’ll be leaving Channel 5 News with mixed emotions after all that the team has achieved in launching a new service and breaking new ground, but I can’t wait to start this next challenge by returning to ITV News.”
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