Deborah Turness returns to ITN as chief executive
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ITN has poached the head of America's NBC News International as it gears up to fight GB News.
The company behind news bulletins for ITV and Channel 4 has recruited Deborah Turness as chief executive to replace Anna Mallett, who is taking up an international production role at Netflix.
Ms Turness had been overseeing attempts by Comcast to launch a new international news channel called NBC Sky World News but the venture was scrapped last August.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time for ITN as it faces a challenge from GB News, the right-leaning venture spearheaded by broadcasting veteran Andrew Neil.
Ms Turness will be charged with shoring up ITN's finances, which have been hit by coronavirus and a £141m pension deficit.
She rejoins ITN after previously working for the company as a freelancer in her twenties before becoming the Washington bureau producer.
Ms Turness went on to help launch Channel 5 News and became editor of ITV News in 2004.
She said ITN was "home for most of my career" and she felt "privileged and proud" to lead the company.
"ITN’s role in public life has never been more critical, with the pandemic demonstrating why its reputation for quality, trusted news content is second to none," she added.
"I’m excited to capture the growth in streaming platforms who are hungry for ITN’s high-quality factual content, as well as creative expertise across sports, virtual events and advertising."
The appointment comes as Ms Mallet departs after two years.
The former management consultant and BBC executive told ITN staff in November: "I know change can be unsettling, so I also want to be very clear about something: ITN is in good shape and well positioned for future success."
ITN is part-owned by ITV alongside Daily Mail publisher DMGT, news agency Thomson Reuters and events operator Informa.
Under Ms Mallett, the company has continued diversifying its production business to become less reliant on live news.
It also makes documentaries such as Harry and Meghan: An African Journey and produces live sport such as last year's Word Athletics Championships in Doha.
