ITN this morning confirmed the news, broken on sportsjournalists.co.uk yesterday, that Steve Scott is to head up the sports coverage across ITV’s news output.
In a surprise move, following the independent television news provider’s original recruitment for a sports correspondent, ITN says that Scott will be its sports editor, with former Setanta staffer Natalie Pirks as its sports reporter.
An ITV News spokesman said, “Steve is a respected and experienced broadcaster and presenter who’s passionate about sport and will offer a new dimension to sports coverage on ITV News. As a former Africa correspondent he will be particularly well positioned to cover the World Cup.”
The apparent upgrading of the appointment may be an attempt by ITN to give Scott parity with his BBC counterpart, David Bond, the former Daily Telegraph sports editor who is due to take up his position later this month. It may also reflect Scott’s seniority and salary requirements, with industry insiders speculating that with his ITV South West and weekend ITV newsreading portfolio, plus the Night Watch programme, he may have been him on a handsome six-figure income.
Pirks worked at ITN’s headquarters in Grays Inn Road for 
two years as Setanta Sports News’ England reporter. In that time, the Bournemouth University multi-media journalism graduate (pictured right) also covered non-league football and darts. Previously, she worked on BBC’s Grandstand, on Radio 1 and at BBC London.
Since Setanta’s collapse last year, Pirks has worked as ITV News’s sports producer.
SJA dates for your diaries
Wed Mar 17: SJA Sporting Lunch with triathlon world champion Alistair Brownlee. Two-course lunch plus a glass of wine of beer, £20 for SJA members, £25 for non-members. To book, contact Mary Fitzhenry mary@spokepromotions.com or by phone on 020 8946 9601 or 07946 545084 (please indicate whether a vegetarian meal is required).
Mon Apr 12: A Question of Boris:The SJA’s second “Sporting Question Time”, this time with London Mayor Boris Johnson at City Hall. This will be strictly for SJA members only. To book your ticket, click here to send us an email with your name, SJA membership number and address, writing “Sporting Question Time with Boris” in the subject field
Mon Apr 12: SJA Spring Golf Day , to be staged at Surbiton GC. To book, contact Paul Trow (07973 862747).
Thu Apr 15: SJA 2010 Annual Meeting , at offices of UK Sport
Mon Apr 19: SJA/LOCOG guided tour of Olympic Park, 2pm For booking details, click here.
Sun Apr 25: SJA Cricket Day. Enjoy corporate hospitality with friends and colleagues, and bring along your partner, as Lancashire take on Surrey. Tickets £65 each. Click here for booking details.
Mon Sep 13: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill GC. To book, contact Paul Trow (07973 862747).
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