By Sheila Mckenzie-
Veteran newscaster Alastair Stewart is to step down as an ITV News presenter following allegations of racism on social media.
Itv said the “errors of judgement” in his use of social media breached their editorial guidelines and his decision to tweet was supported by both ITV and ITN.
In a statement, the veteran broadcaster said it was a “misjudgement which I regret”, but added: “It’s been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years.” Stewart had been engaged in a debate with a black social media user, Alan Sharpland when the ITV producer replied with the word ‘ape’ in his response.
Stewart who studied economics and politics at University of Bristol before going on to work for the National Union Of Students between 1974 and 1976 has been a popular face on British television for decades.
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.”