Channel 4 News appoints new Deputy Editor

Channel 4 News has announced that Shaminder Nahal will join the programme as Deputy Editor. Currently in the same role at Newsnight, Shaminder is the programme's first major hire following Ben de Pear's appointment as Editor.

Nahal, who was a key player in winning Newsnight's RTS award in 2011, will support de Pear in delivering his editorial vision for the programme, building on its international reputation for distinctive original journalism and managing a team of onscreen and offscreen journalists.

Ben de Pear, editor of Channel 4 News said: "Shaminder has proven experience of producing show-stopping live interviews, communicating an editorial vision and leading a team of brilliant journalists. She will bring all that and more to this role, and I can't wait to have her support me as we build on the achievement and experience here at Channel 4 News."

Starting her career at BBC South West, Nahal joined BBC News 24 at its launch, before moving to Newsnight in 2001, where she was first a producer, then programme editor. Since her promotion to Deputy Editor in 2010 she has shared responsibility for driving the editorial direction of the programme, developing key members of the onscreen and offscreen team and generating new formats and ideas for the late night news and current affairs programme. She was responsible for Newsnight's first programme recorded inside a prison, the first all-female edition and the Steve Coogan debate on phone hacking.

Shaminder Nahal says: "I am delighted to be joining the team behind this dynamic and important programme, which holds a special place in British life. I have long admired  its fearless journalism and unique attitude."

She will step into the role vacated by Martin Fewell, who has left to lead communications at the Metropolitan Police Service.  Following de Pear's appointment in June, he has promoted Nevine Mabro to Head of Foreign News and announced the creation of a Managing Editor position. Last week the programme hosted the first ever live interview with Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, and prompted a debate about its "doorstep" interview with The Sun's former Editor Kelvin MacKenzie about his coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.