Alastair Stewart: ITV newsreader steps down over social media ‘errors of judgment’

ITV News host Alastair Stewart is stepping down from presenting duties “following errors of judgment” in his use of social media – the broadcaster has announced.

The veteran presenter, 67, said in a statement he had made a “misjudgement which I regret”.

ITN said that Stewart’s use of social media “breached” its editorial guidelines – but gave no confirmation on what had led to the decision.

The decision to quit “is supported by both ITV and ITN”, the broadcaster added in a statement

Mr Stewart 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.”

The veteran newsreader has been a staff reporter and presenter on ITV News programmes since the 70s.

Recently he has worked as a part-time freelance presenter, mainly on the lunchtime news and weekend programmes.

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.”

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.”

Additional reporting by PA.

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