Channel 4 News appoints its first weather presenter
Forecaster Liam Dutton is to join Channel 4 News, becoming the programme’s first dedicated weather presenter. He trained at the Met Office and previously worked at the BBC.
Liam Dutton is joining Channel 4 News to present forecasts five nights a week, offering viewers and users a distinctive perspective on weather news.
From time to time, he will also contribute to the main programme – talking to presenters Jon Snow, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Cathy Newman or Matt Frei to add insight and information on specific weather stories.
His brief will incorporate analysis of UK and International weather news, potentially related to climate change, health, food, or the impact of weather on other aspects of people’s lifestyles such as travel, finances and welfare. Dutton will also have an important online role, leading Channel 4 News’ new weather website and using social media to discuss weather with viewers.
Starting his career at the BBC Weather Centre, (presenting his first forecast at just 22), Dutton has since travelled the UK presenting for BBC nations and regions. In 2006 he began presenting for national and international BBC outlets. Most recently, he has worked across BBC News, BBC World News, BBC Breakfast and Radio 4’s Today programme.
This is the latest in a series of appointments for Channel 4 News. Matt Frei has joined as Washington Correspondent, and will also join the presenting team. Cathy Newman has also become a presenter – joining Matt and completing the line-up alongside Jon Snow and Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Michael Crick replaces Cathy as Political Correspondent – and Jackie Long has joined as Social Affairs Editor.
Liam Dutton says: “I can’t wait to be part of Channel 4 News’ history as the programme’s first weather presenter. With weather so frequently making headlines at home and abroad, the interest in how and why things are happening is becoming ever greater. I’ll be looking to feed our fascination about weather through the power of television, online and social media in a way that’s distinctly Channel 4.”
Martin Fewell, Channel 4 News adds: “Every part of our programme must deliver our core values – and the weather will be no exception. It must feel unmistakeably “us”. Liam is absolutely the right person to lead our weather coverage. He’s an expert with years of training and experience – but he’s also the kind of personality we think our viewers will want to engage with on a topic we know is close to the heart of modern Britain.”