Channel 4 News promotes Faisal Islam

Channel 4 News has promoted its economics correspondent, Faisal Islam, to the role of economics editor, the first time the news organisation has filled the role in more than 20 years. The promotion of Islam, who joined Channel 4 News as a business reporter in 2004, is recognition by the organisation of the rise of the business sector in setting the news agenda. Channel 4 News has not had an economics editor since 1986, when Sarah Hogg – now a Conservative peer – held the position. "As we head into an election that may well be fought on an economic battleground, Faisal is the right person to explain and explore the key issues for our audience," said Dorothy Byrne, head of news and current affairs at Channel 4. • 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".