As the only monarch most of us have ever known, Queen Elizabeth II had a long and illustrious reign, which sadly came to an end last year. The processes and procedures around both her death and funeral had been well-rehearsed by news organisations around the globe; but what was it like to be witness to that once-in-a-lifetime event, and shoulder the responsibility for how it was portrayed around the world?
We’ve gathered the great and good of the UK-based news broadcasting teams behind the coverage, to shed light on this historic event.
MODERATOR:
Anila Dhami, Presenter and Journalist
Anila Dhami is an award-winning Presenter and Journalist who has worked for some of the biggest media companies for nearly 10 years. Currently, she freelances as a Presenter and Reporter for ITV News, C5 News, and Talk TV. She has hosted live debates on topical issues, interviews a range of people from MPs and experts to celebrities, and provides the space for people to share their stories and experiences, on TV, radio and online.
PANEL:
Tami Hoffman, Head of News Productions & Archive, ITN Productions
Tami Hoffman heads up the News and Archive teams at ITN – the production house behind the news on ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. She’s been at the sharp end of broadcast news for over 20 years covering elections, royal events and breaking news. Tami now takes the commercial lead in ensuring maximum ongoing value from news footage – syndicating to broadcast and digital clients, running a number of social media news channels and overseeing licencing of ITN’s extensive archive. She’s had success in reshaping ITN’s dusty old vaults into a valuable, vibrant, constantly expanding asset which showcases contemporary British history.
Jon Whitney, Deployment Editor, UK Newsgathering, BBC
Currently working as Deployment Editor for UK Newsgathering at the BBC, across BBC Radio, TV and Online, Jon was instrumental in news operations, logistics and coverage behind the Queen’s death and funeral in 2022. Jon’s career at the BBC has spanned over 20 years and has seen him fulfil key appointments around the world, including former roles as Westminster News Editor, Washington News Editor, and as Senior Producer in Brussels.
Kiko Itasaka, Producer, NBC
Kiko Itasaka is the News Royal Coordinating Producer for NBC. With a career spanning over 30 years with the company; as well as working as a field producer in New York and as Tokyo Bureau Chief, Kiko has covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively, receiving three Emmy Awards for her work.
Since 2010 Kiko’s focus has been on coordinating major news events, most recently overseeing NBC News’ coverage of the funerals of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Jubilee.
Tim Forrest, Content Editor - Projects
Tim Forrest is a Content Editor at ITV News who works full time on major projects. As part of the newsroom’s Special Events team, he spent more than 3 years planning and preparing the special programmes that ran on the network following the Queen’s death. When it happened, he saw those programmes through from the newsroom and the gallery, working across the 12 days that culminated in the Committal service in Windsor. He previously worked on Prince Phillip’s death and has edited daily news programmes at ITV News for the past decade.
This event, co-hosted by RTS Technology and London Centres, will be held on Thursday 23rd February and doors open at 6pm. Tickets will be free for RTS members and £10 for non-members. Tickets will include a complimentary glass of wine and the opportunity to continue the discussions in the bar afterwards!
With thanks to our sponsor Timeline TV.
