Channel 4 News appoints Shaminder Nahal as deputy editor

New Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear has hired Newsnight's Shaminder Nahal to be the programme's deputy editor. Nahal is currently deputy editor of Newsnight and one of a number of the BBC2 show's staff to switch sides to Channel 4, including its former political editor Michael Crick . She succeeds Martin Fewell, who had been a contender to succeed Jim Gray as Channel 4 News editor and left to head communications at the Metropolitan police . Nahal joined Newsnight from the BBC News channel in 2001. Responsible for the first programme recorded inside a prison and the first all-female edition of Newsnight, she started her career at BBC South West. She was also reportedly partly the inspiration behind Emily Mortimer's portrayal of a TV news producer in Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom . Mortimer, who knew Nahal from her days at Oxford University, described her as "not the ball-breaking type at all; she's just passionate about what she does ... She doesn't let anyone off the hook – ever." De Pear said of his first senior appointment: "Shaminder has proven experience of producing show-stopping live interviews, communicating an editorial vision and leading a team of brilliant journalists. "She will bring all that and more to this role, and I can't wait to have her support me as we build on the achievement and experience here at Channel 4 News." Nahal said: "I am delighted to be joining the team behind this dynamic and important programme, which holds a special place in British life. I have long admired its fearless journalism and unique attitude." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". • To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook