Outwrite’s managing director Tracy North was a guest of top UK news presenter Mary Nightingale, and watched from the studio gallery as ITV’s Evening News programme was broadcast.
Tracy and her husband, Mark, toured ITN’s central London studios after winning the one-off private tour in a fundraising auction for The Journalists Charity.
They were given exclusive access to the newsroom to meet senior editors and production staff as they gathered the news of the day. The visit took place on Monday 8 January, when the UK Government cabinet’s reshuffle was the lead story for the evening.
The duo were then shown into the studio gallery, to observe the producer and director controlling transmission, as Mary Nightingale read the news live on air.
Although Tracy is usually found working with media behind the scenes, she got closer to the camera than usual, as Mary then invited her into the studio for the second half of the 30-minute programme.
Tracy and Mark also met graphics and communications technicians, and learned about the stages of newsgathering, from reporters’ work in the field through to decision-making by editors about the running order of stories.
Mary introduced them to Evening News editor Richard Frediani, and News at Ten anchor Tom Bradby who was starting to prepare for his bulletin.
Tracy said: “This was a true ‘money can’t buy’ experience arranged by Mary Nightingale, and everyone we met was really welcoming and informative.
“As a former journalist myself, it was fascinating to discuss the news agenda of the day, learn about all the different stages of TV news production, and finally to watch Mary present the programme.
“It was good to help the Journalists Charity. It makes a significant contribution to supporting journalists in need, at a time when jobs and competitive wages in parts of the media are under great threat.”
Tracy founded Outwrite in 1994, and has overseen the evolution of the firm into an award-winning digital agency.