Geoff Hill to stand down as Editor of ITV News

Wednesday 30 September 2020

ITV and ITN have today announced that the Geoff Hill, the Editor of ITV News, is standing down from his post with immediate effect following a sustained period of illness.

Hill had hoped to return to the newsroom in the coming weeks but following recent medical advice has decided that he must concentrate all of his energies on his health and family.

A talented and passionate journalist of almost 30 years' standing, Hill rose through the ranks at ITN, most recently as Editor of the multi-award winning ITV News where he has been responsible for ITV's national news programmes, ITV News London, ITN-produced Tonight programmes, current affairs show On Assignment, and live specials and documentaries for ITV.

During his tenure, Hill led the newsroom through a period of profound change, reporting the general elections of 2015 and 2017, the Scottish referendum and the EU referendum of 2016 where he called the result in the gallery, relayed live to the nation by Tom Bradby on the network's overnight programme. He was likewise at the helm to oversee the programmes to announce the results of the US Election and Trump's win, in addition to managing the changes to ITV's Evening News and News at Ten.

Prior to that he was appointed Editor of 5 News when the programme returned to ITN in 2011, recruiting a talented team and building a brand-new newsroom and studio and helping to establish its unique editorial voice.

Before that, Hill was Director of Coverage at CNN International, a role that saw him lead content for the network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to CNN, Hill worked for ITN for nearly a decade from 2000 until 2009 where he held senior input and output positions at ITV News, rising to Programme Editor, with responsibility for the flagship News at Ten. He went on to launch and run the 24-hour sports news channel Setanta Sports News as Editor-in-Chief.

Hill will now concentrate on returning to full health, and both ITN and ITV will continue to provide as much support as possible during this difficult time. Acting Editor Rachel Corp will continue to oversee ITV News with an announcement on the next Editor of ITV News to be made shortly.

Geoff Hill said: When I turned up at ITN for my first shift 20 years ago, I was still pinching myself at the prospect of working alongside the giants of our industry. If anyone had told me then that one day I would be the Editor, I would have thought they were mad. I was just so pleased to be there. But when that day came, it was the proudest day of my professional career, and it is with deep regret and sadness that I now have to step down from my post. I have had an incredible time leading this newsroom through a prolonged period of extraordinary change, and I wish all of my talented colleagues the very best for the challenges which lie ahead.

Michael Jermey, Director of News and Current Affairs, ITV said: Geoff has been a great Editor of ITV News. We're grateful for the leadership he gave during a highly successful period for our programmes.

Geoff is a kind man with an enormously warm heart and a generous spirit. He encourages and supports individuals and teams to be their best. I admire his achievements and am proud to call him a friend.

We have sent him every best wish in his fight for a full recovery.

ITN chief executive Anna Mallett said: This is an extremely sad day for all of us here. Geoff is - and always will be a huge part of the ITN family. He has been not just a journalist and leader of the highest calibre during his career with us, but also a much-admired friend and mentor to so many. We will of course be offering Geoff as much support as he needs, and we are all looking forward to the day he is well enough to work again in the world of broadcast journalism that he loves so much.

LINK:	https://www.itn.co.uk/press-releases/geoff-hill-to-stand-down-as-edito...
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