Former Newsnight and ITVX exec returns to help lead Leeds-based Channel 4 News

Channel 4 News has announced the appointment its new Deputy Editor marking a return to the newsroom where they spent a decade in senior editorial roles.

Becky Emmett joins from ITV News, where she has led its streaming division on ITVX since July 2024. She took the reins there amid ITV’s push to grow its digital news offering during a key election year, overseeing live event streaming, original content commissioning and platform strategy. Her move to ITV followed a period as Acting Co-Editor and Deputy Editor of BBC’s Newsnight, during a turbulent time in the programme’s history which saw the BBC propose halving its 60-strong team.

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Emmett now replaces Laura Wilshaw, who left Channel 4 News earlier this year to become Editor of ITV News. Her new role sees her work alongside Editor Esme Wren as part of the senior leadership team, helping to steer the channel’s flagship broadcast and digital strategy across its London, Leeds and international bureaux.

Emmett is widely respected across the industry for her editorial judgement and digital-first approach. Her return to Channel 4 News builds on more than ten years with the programme, including key roles as Programme Editor and Head of Home News from 2021 to 2023, during which time she oversaw the transition to the channel’s new Leeds operation.

Editor Esme Wren said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Becky back to Channel 4 News. With a decade of experience here before her time at the BBC and ITV News, Channel 4 is truly in her DNA. Her return marks a powerful step forward as we continue the strong momentum of recent years. With exceptional digital and journalistic expertise, she will be instrumental in amplifying our trusted journalism, ensuring our content is reaching everyone, everywhere, and shaping our global voice through support to our fantastic teams here in the UK and internationally.”

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Becky Emmett said: “I’m excited to be returning to Channel 4 News at such a pivotal moment for global journalism. It’s an incredible opportunity to work alongside such a talented and inspiring team, as we navigate the evolving landscape of news and continue to provide the in-depth, trusted and impactful reporting that has always been the hallmark of Channel 4 News. I look forward to working with our teams internationally to innovate across the network’s outstanding multi-platform offer and uphold the highest standards of agenda-setting journalism for the years ahead.”

Emmett is due to take up her new role this summer.

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