Alastair Stewart is stepping down from his presenting duties at ITV News following “errors of judgement” in his use of social media.
The veteran presenter, 67, said that he made a “misjudgement which I regret”.
It is unclear what he has done to breach the editorial guidelines of ITN, which produces news broadcasts for ITV, but his departure comes several weeks after he was involved in an exchange with a Black man on Twitter in which he quoted a Shakespeare passage including the phrase “angry ape”.
With ITV News refusing to elaborate on their decision, speculation was rife on social media.
The Shakespeare quote, which was taken from the play Measure for Measure, was sent during a disagreement with Martin Shapland on January 13.
Others pointed to online rows Stewart had with other broadcast journalists and comments following the announcement of cuts at the BBC. Stewart’s account appears to have been de-activated.
Stewart, who joined ITN in 1980 as industrial correspondent, said in a statement: “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.”
Stewart has been a staff reporter and presenter on ITV News programmes.
Recently he has worked as a part-time freelance presenter, mainly on the lunchtime news and weekend programmes. Some broadcasters expressed their sadness over Stewart’s departure.
Sharing an article referencing Stewart stepping down, ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham tweeted: “So sad to learn this – we have worked on many big stories together & Al is a trusted friend and guide to many of us.”
Anna Botting, a presenter for Sky News, tweeted: “Alastair hope you can still read these messages – you’ve always been so supportive and encouraging…for which I am very grateful.
“I share the sadness at your departure and wish you all the very best.”
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’s chief executive Anna Mallett added: “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.”