Last night’s Channel 4 News saw the broadcaster launch its permanent newsroom in Leeds, with the daily bulletin now set to be delivered from two national newsrooms.
The new studio went live from 7pm featuring, for the first time, insight and analysis from Channel 4 News’ new data correspondent Ciaran Jenkins, anchored by long-standing presenter Jackie Long, with a special focus on the state of UK education.
Channel 4 News has been operating in Leeds since early 2022, with daily programming from its temporary studio. The new venture will significantly increase its presence in the North, driven by a growing newsroom team and a second digital unit to support the programme’s data-driven output. It will become the first UK national evening news programme to permanently co-present from two locations, the other being, unsurprisingly, in London.
The newsroom, along with the recent appointments of head of regions Sunita Bhatti, deputy head of home news Sally Chesworth and communities editor Darshna Soni, will give Channel 4 News a further platform for social affairs coverage and investigations.
Meanwhile, cutting-edge studio facilities will support the delivery of its data-led journalism, with Leeds the focal point for rich insight on some of the biggest stories of the day, supported by the programme’s award-winning FactCheck unit.
This studio serves as a reminder of the programme’s commitment to and investment in regional production, contributing significantly to the rapidly evolving local, cultural economy in the city.
The programme also announced a special collaboration with the University of Leeds, donating high-performance equipment and technology from its temporary studio to the School of Media and Communication.
Esme Wren, editor of Channel 4 News, said: “We’re delighted to finally be bringing [the studio] to life as we significantly expand our presence across the UK. With two national newsrooms to deliver the daily bulletin, this new venture is a visible investment in the region, marking our clear commitment to storytelling from across the country, alongside giving us a new home for our data-driven journalism. As we come to air, I want to say a huge thank you to the whole Channel 4 News team who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Kristyn Gorton, head of the School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds, thanked Channel 4 News for the equipment donation, while Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN added: “Our Channel 4 News’ Leeds studio puts state-of-the-art digital technology and connectivity at the heart of the award-winning coverage for which we are known.
“ITN’s newsrooms are committed to reflecting the experience of people across the UK and our investment in Channel 4 News’ Leeds operation and the content teams based there will significantly deepen our roots in communities across the north of England and enrich our coverage for viewers right across the nation.”
