Mark Longhurst – Veteran British News Presenter and Media Consultant
Mark Longhurst is a highly respected British news presenter with decades of experience in television journalism, live broadcasting, and media consultancy. From his early days as a regional reporter to becoming one of Sky News’ most recognisable anchors, and later a presenter at GB News, his career spans over four decades. Known for his sharp communication skills, professionalism, and deep knowledge of current affairs, Mark Longhurst remains a significant figure in UK broadcasting.
Early Life and Education
Mark Longhurst studied Modern History at Goldsmiths, University of London, focusing on subjects such as the Cold War, Vietnam, and the Kennedy era. His academic background gave him a solid grounding in political and historical analysis, which later informed his journalistic work.
Although he has lived in London and the Greater Brighton and Hove area, he has professional roots across the UK. His journalism career began with local reporting, where he sharpened his storytelling, shorthand, and newsroom skills.
Early Career in Journalism
Regional and Local Reporting
-
Surrey Advertiser (1978–1981)
Mark began his career as a graduate trainee, earning his NCTJ proficiency certificate and mastering essential newsroom practices. -
Evening Argus (1981–1983)
Worked as a senior news reporter for the Brighton-based regional paper, covering community issues and broader national stories with local impact. -
BBC Sussex Local Radio (1983–1984)
Reporter and producer for Good Morning Sussex, gaining early broadcast experience.
Transition to Television
-
Thames Television (1984–1989)
Senior reporter and newsreader for Thames News, honing his live broadcasting presence. -
TV-am (1989–1992)
Senior news correspondent and bulletin presenter for ITV’s breakfast news. He reported internationally from Washington, Moscow, and Paris, and also worked as a defence correspondent. -
Channel 4 (1992)
Served as political correspondent during the 1992 General Election, contributing to Channel 4’s flagship breakfast programme.
Career with BBC and ITN
-
BBC South Today (1992–1995)
Co-anchored the regional programme, recognised as BT Regional News Broadcaster of the Year. -
ITN (1995–1996)
Worked as a freelance correspondent on national bulletins. -
BBC World / BBC News (1995–1997)
Presented rolling international news bulletins, reaching global audiences.
Sky News – Two Decades of Prominence
The defining stage of Mark Longhurst’s career came at Sky News (1996–2016), where he spent 20 years as a Senior Presenter.
Key Roles at Sky News
-
Anchor of flagship programmes including Sunrise and News at Ten.
-
Host of Press Preview, analysing the next day’s newspapers.
-
Business correspondent and presenter of Sky Business Report.
-
Produced and presented documentaries, including historical features for the History Channel.
Mark became one of Sky’s most trusted faces, guiding viewers through major breaking news events, political shifts, and international crises.
ITV and Media Consultancy
After leaving Sky in 2016, Mark joined ITV West Country (2017) as co-anchor of the nightly regional news with Kylie Pentelow.
Later, he shifted into consultancy:
-
Media Consultant at G60 Technologies (2017–2022)
Worked with a fintech company specialising in pensions, applying his communication skills to corporate strategy and messaging.
GB News Presenter
In September 2022, Mark Longhurst joined GB News as a presenter of GB News Live (12:00–15:00, Monday to Thursday).
Mark Longhurst and Pip Tomson
In 2023, Mark co-presented The Live Desk alongside Pip Tomson, delivering the latest breaking stories and political analysis. Their partnership brought credibility and clarity to GB News’ daytime output.
Why Mark Longhurst Left Sky News
Mark Longhurst left Sky News in August 2016, reportedly as part of restructuring and cost-saving measures within the channel. His departure followed a long and distinguished career there, marking the end of an era for Sky viewers.
Has Mark Longhurst Left GB News?
Yes, public records indicate that Mark Longhurst left GB News in October 2023. His departure closed another chapter in a long broadcasting journey.
Skills and Achievements
-
Broadcasting & News Anchoring: Trusted voice during major breaking news events.
-
Media Training: Extensive experience providing high-level training to professionals and executives.
-
Writing & Production: Skilled in scriptwriting, programme development, and live television production.
-
Awards: Recognised as BT Regional News Broadcaster of the Year during his BBC tenure.
Personal Life and Background
-
Education: BA (Hons) in Modern History, Goldsmiths, University of London (1975–1978).
-
Residence: Lives in London and Greater Brighton and Hove area.
-
Origins: Associated with Surrey, Sussex, and professional beginnings in local British media.
While some sources suggest he may have links to Llanelli, official biographies highlight his education and career as being centred in England.
Estimated Age
Mark Longhurst’s exact date of birth is not publicly confirmed. However, a widely shared social media post in May 2017 celebrated his 60th birthday, suggesting he was born around 1957.
Legacy in British Broadcasting
Mark Longhurst’s career reflects the transformation of British television news over the last four decades. From local newspapers to global broadcasting, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, calmness under pressure, and an ability to connect with audiences.
His long tenure at Sky News, alongside his contributions at BBC, ITV, and GB News, place him among the most recognisable British television presenters of his generation.
Conclusion
Mark Longhurst is more than just a television presenter—he is a journalist, consultant, and media trainer whose career demonstrates adaptability and resilience. With a background rooted in history and decades of front-line reporting, he has informed and educated millions of viewers in the UK and beyond.
From Sky News’ flagship bulletins to GB News Live, Mark Longhurst’s career has been defined by integrity, dedication, and clarity. His move into consultancy shows his versatility, while his enduring reputation ensures his legacy in British broadcasting remains secure.
