Key Figures Depart ITV News and Good Morning Britain Amid Programming Shifts
James Gooderson and Stuart Earl exit prominent roles, prompting questions about future news coverage and production.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
ITV News has seen the departure of James Gooderson after three years, while Stuart Earl has left his director role at Good Morning Britain after a decade.
James Gooderson, a prominent figure at ITV and ITV News, concluded his three-year tenure with the broadcaster.
Gooderson announced his new role on X, confirming his move to Feature Story News as a Washington Correspondent; he also made a LinkedIn announcement regarding this career transition.
"After a fantastic 3 years at ITV and ITV News I've joined Feature Story News as a Washington Correspondent," James Gooderson stated unequivocally.
He relocates to America, establishing his base in the DC office, with a mandate to cover President Trump and political news on Capitol Hill for international news clients.
Gooderson will also report across the US ahead of the midterms, focusing on the 2024 election cycle.
Stuart, you are a total genius. You have been so brilliant. You support us so much, thank you, very, very much.
Simultaneously, Stuart Earl, a director for Good Morning Britain, departed his position after a decade of service; Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6 am.
Ed Balls offered a public tribute to Earl, stating, "Stuart, you are a total genius. You have been so brilliant. You support us so much, thank you, very, very much."
Susanna Reid claimed Stuart Earl embarks on a motorbike journey over mountains, suggesting a personal adventure following his extensive career.
These exits occur amidst broader programming adjustments within ITV, as Lorraine Kelly's chat show, for instance, saw its airtime reduced from one hour to 30 minutes.
The show now airs for 30 weeks a year, a reduction from its previous 52-week schedule; this reflects a strategic re-evaluation of ITV's daytime lineup.
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, oversees these significant personnel and scheduling decisions, with his purview including the network's strategic direction.
Gooderson's new role involves covering President Trump and political news on Capitol Hill for international news clients, and he will also report across the US ahead of the midterms.
"I'll be working out of the DC office covering President Trump and the latest political news on Capitol Hill for a number of international news clients," James Gooderson confirmed.
The specific details of Gooderson's new base, however, present a point of clarification; while he announced his move on X, stating he joined Feature Story News as a Washington Correspondent, other reports indicate his base will be the DC office.