Channel 4 News completes onscreen line-up with new talent

Following Tom Clarke’s promotion to the role of Science Editor, Asha Tanna (pictured above, centre) has been appointed as Science Reporter. Having freelanced for the programme as well as Sky News, this permanent role will enable her to cover stories across the science agenda. Starting in regional print journalism, and with more than ten years experience in broadcast, Asha also has a particular interest in biological sciences, and is currently studying a Masters in primate biology, behaviour and conservation. She will join the programme on a full-time basis following the completion of three months of field research in Western Uganda examining the effects of deforestation on wild chimpanzee populations.

In a demonstration of its commitment to develop journalistic talent, the programme has appointed 26-year-old Fatima Manji as a general reporter. Fatima (pictured above right) has been working for BBC East since joining the BBC as a trainee in 2008, on topics ranging from poor housing conditions to an increase in hate crimes against new migrants.

And finally, BBC Correspondent Ciaran Jenkins will join as a general reporter. Ciaran has been working for BBC Wales, initially on news programmes “Dragon’s Eye” and “Politics Show Wales” and most recently as BBC Wales Education Correspondent. Ciaran’s investigation into a pop star with bogus degrees found to be offering UK university courses in Malaysia won Best News & Current Affairs Programme at BAFTA Wales in 2010. His recent report into a scam set up to help overseas students obtain visas led to the effective abolition of the University of Wales.

The appointments complete a wave of changes to the programme that has seen Cathy Newman join the presenting team alongside Jon Snow, Krishnan Guru Murthy and new hire Matt Frei. Frei is also Washington Correspondent. In addition, Michael Crick has joined as Political Correspondent, Jackie Long as Social Affairs Editor, Morland Sanders as North of England Correspondent and Paraic O’Brien as a General Reporter. The programme has also recruited its first ever Weather Presenter – Liam Dutton – and refreshed the look and feel of the studio, branding and programme structure.

Jim Gray, Editor, Channel 4 News comments: “These are brilliant new additions to the team- the perfect compliment to the established stars we welcomed earlier this year. We are fantastically equipped to deliver on our commitment to giving our audience specialist insight, engaging experts and superlative coverage of the issues modern Britain cares about.”

Dorothy Byrne, Head of News & Current Affairs at Channel 4 adds: “Spotting and supporting new talent is a crucial part of Channel 4’s remit and I’m thrilled we’ve found these journalists at such exciting stages of their careers. This team boasts hungry, informed journalists across the editorial agenda- what a great way to start the year.”