Martin Fewell leaving Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News’ Deputy Editor Martin Fewell has announced he is to leave the programme after 14 years.
Martin Fewell said: “I’m immensely proud to have worked with such a strong and committed team at Channel 4 News and to have been deputy to a terrific editor like Jim Gray.
“I’m not sure I can top the experience as a journalist, but what I’ve learned from a brilliant, creative set of colleagues & friends at ITN will stay with me as I head off to find new opportunities. The programme is in great shape, in great hands and it feels like the right time to try something new.”
In 14 years, Fewell has been responsible for developing the programme’s editorial agenda, its multiplatform presence and leading several periods of major change within the newsroom. He worked closely on the programme’s review in 2011, a year that also saw Channel 4 News win the BAFTA for news coverage. And he was responsible for designing and launching key innovations such as Snowmail รข?? the nightly pre-programme email by Jon Snow and his co-presenters.
He joined ITN, which makes Channel 4 News, in 1998 as a programme editor, editing the 7pm bulletin and special editions including an hour-long programme on 9/11, the party leaders’ debate in the first election to the Scottish Parliament, and a live debate on the Ladbroke Grove rail crash in 1999. He became Deputy Editor in 2002 and in that year led “News from India”, a week of programmes presented in and around Delhi.
Fewell started his career as a local radio trainee reporter in 1987. He was later Deputy Editor for The World at One & The World This Weekend, as well as being a launch editor on BBC News 24,and working for Newsnight and the One O’clock News.
ITN’s Chief Executive John Hardie says: “Martin will be sorely missed by his colleagues here at ITN. He brings absolute professionalism, passion and an intellectual edge to every project he leads. He was instrumental in our review of the programme last year, and before that played a key role in developing Channel 4 News as a multimedia brand. We wish him all the best.”
Channel 4’s Head of News and Current Affairs Dorothy Byrne added: “Martin’s contribution to the history of Channel 4 News and the programme it is today has been truly outstanding. He has been fantastic to work with and I have relied upon his judgment, expertise and support for many years now. He leaves the programme in brilliant shape, and I wish him all the best for his next challenge.”
Channel 4 News recently appointed former Head of Foreign News Ben de Pear as its new Editor, following Jim Gray’s departure after nearly 15 years. Recruitment for his replacement as Head of Foreign News, and the Deputy Editor role will commence with immediate effect and de Pear is expected to make an announcement on a new senior team in the coming weeks.