Newsreader steps down over social media gaffe

Newsreader Alastair Stewart is stepping down from his role at ITV News due to “errors of judgment in his use of social media”, ITN have said.

“It was a misjudgement which I regret, but it’s been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years,” Stewart, 67, said.

ITN and ITV added in the statement: “After many years working across a variety of news programmes, Alastair Stewart is stepping down from his presenting duties.

“The decision, which is supported by both ITV and ITN, follows errors of judgement in Alastair’s use of social media which breached ITN’s editorial guidelines.”

Stewart’s Twitter account no longer exists. However, details of the breach are currently unclear.

Michael Jermey, director of news and current affairs at ITV, said: “Alastair has been a long-standing, familiar figure to viewers of ITV News, both reporting and presenting with distinction.

“We wish him the very best for the future.”

Meanwhile, ITN chief executive Anna Mallett said: “We would like to recognise Alastair’s contribution as one of the UK’s foremost journalists and TV presenters and to thank him for his commitment to delivering high-quality broadcast news over many years.”

Stewart joined ITN in 1980, working for Channel 4 News for three years before graduating to the main newsreader on ITV News.

In recent times he has worked as a part-time freelance presenter primarily on the lunchtime news and weekend programmes.

With additional reporting by PA.

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