Gabriella Lee – The Rising Voice Behind ITV Granada’s Newsroom Excellence
Who is Gabriella Lee?
In the ever-evolving world of British broadcast journalism, Gabriella Lee stands out as one of the most promising editorial professionals shaping regional storytelling at ITV Granada. With a career that spans over eight years at ITV and a background rooted in both journalism and public relations, Gabriella has steadily carved her place as a skilled Planning Editor, known for her editorial precision, leadership, and commitment to credible regional news.
Based in Manchester, England, Gabriella Lee combines sharp news instincts with a deep understanding of political, cultural, and social narratives shaping the North West. Her professional journey from PR agencies to newsroom leadership reflects a blend of strategic communication, journalistic ethics, and audience engagement.
Early Life and Education of Gabriella Lee
Academic Foundations
Gabriella Lee’s academic achievements reflect her long-standing dedication to communication and current affairs. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Modern History at The University of Manchester between 2011 and 2014, graduating with a 2:1 BA (Hons).
Her studies cultivated a critical understanding of political systems, historical transformations, and socio-economic contexts — skills that later became invaluable in her journalism career.
Master’s Degree in Journalism
Driven by her passion for news media, Gabriella Lee pursued a Master of Arts in News Journalism at The University of Salford, where she achieved a Distinction in 2015. During the same period, she also obtained her PGDip and NCTJ Diploma in News Journalism, highlighting her commitment to professional excellence and ethical reporting.
Her performance during this time was recognised nationally when she received the NCTJ Highly Commended News Journalism Student of the Year Award (2015) — a significant honour that spotlighted her potential as a future newsroom leader.
The Career Journey of Gabriella Lee
Early Career in Public Relations
Before entering the fast-paced world of television journalism, Gabriella Lee built a strong foundation in public relations. She began her professional career at Brazen PR, one of Manchester’s leading communications agencies, where she held several roles including Graduate Account Executive, Account Executive, and Senior Account Executive between 2016 and 2017.
Her PR background allowed her to master storytelling, campaign strategy, and media engagement — skills that have seamlessly translated into her editorial work at ITV.
Additionally, she gained hands-on experience through internships at Carousel Manchester, Mentorn Media, and Red Magazine UK, all of which helped her refine her communication and media coordination skills.
Transition to Journalism
Gabriella’s shift from PR to journalism came in 2017, when she was selected for the prestigious ITV News Trainee Scheme. During her ten-month placement at ITV Granada, MediaCityUK, she trained in every aspect of broadcast journalism — from field reporting and editing to production and story development.
Her exceptional performance as a trainee soon earned her a permanent position as a Production Journalist, where she contributed to daily news coverage and editorial planning. She also took on a three-month attachment in London as ITV Regional Liaison News Editor, working directly at ITN Studios, further strengthening her national-level experience.
Climbing the Editorial Ladder at ITV
After her trainee success, Gabriella Lee quickly rose through the ranks at ITV. In May 2019, she became a Content Editor, initially working for ITV Tyne Tees & Border before transitioning to ITV Granada in 2022.
As a Content Editor, Gabriella was responsible for shaping regional news coverage, coordinating storylines, managing teams of reporters, and ensuring journalistic integrity in every broadcast. Her leadership was instrumental in maintaining the quality and relevance of ITV’s regional programming.
In May 2024, she was promoted to Planning Editor at ITV Granada, a pivotal role where she now oversees editorial strategy, newsroom coordination, and content planning across the Granada region.
Her current responsibilities include setting the news agenda, allocating resources, managing breaking news logistics, and ensuring seamless coordination between production teams and reporters on the ground.
Professional Experience Beyond ITV
While ITV has been the cornerstone of her career, Gabriella Lee’s journalistic experience also includes short-term assignments with major British media organisations.
She completed internships with BBC’s CBBC Newsround and Kickabout, Sky News Election Coverage (2015), and Manchester Evening News — experiences that exposed her to diverse journalistic formats and editorial demands.
Her time with Johnston Press, The Bolton News, and Wigan Observer added to her regional reporting expertise, giving her first-hand experience in community journalism and local storytelling.
Recognition and Awards
One of Gabriella Lee’s earliest achievements was her recognition by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). She received the Highly Commended News Journalism Student of the Year Award in 2015, acknowledging her talent, technical proficiency, and strong ethical grounding.
This recognition not only solidified her reputation within academic circles but also helped her secure early opportunities in competitive newsroom environments such as ITV.
Gabriella Lee’s Role at ITV Granada
The Planning Editor’s Perspective
As Planning Editor at ITV Granada, Gabriella Lee plays a critical role in shaping the editorial calendar, identifying key regional stories, and ensuring coverage aligns with ITV’s national standards.
Her expertise allows her to bridge the gap between breaking news and long-form regional features, balancing speed with accuracy. Under her leadership, the Granada team continues to deliver stories that resonate with audiences across the North West — from local politics and social issues to community success stories.
Commitment to Ethical Journalism
Throughout her career, Gabriella Lee has demonstrated a consistent commitment to factual reporting, editorial fairness, and ethical standards. Her foundation in political and historical studies helps her approach stories with analytical depth, while her PR background provides her with a nuanced understanding of public communication.
Her balanced perspective and editorial discipline make her a respected figure within ITV’s newsroom and among her peers in British broadcast journalism.
Online Presence and Professional Identity
Gabriella Lee maintains a professional presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @GabriellaJLee, where she engages with colleagues, shares newsroom updates, and promotes ITV Granada’s regional coverage. Her profile lists her affiliation with @granadareports and includes her ITV email address (gabriella.lee@itv.com), reflecting her openness to professional collaboration and journalistic transparency.
With over 1,600 accounts followed and 437 followers, she actively participates in the media community, contributing to conversations around regional journalism, political reporting, and British media trends.
Personal Traits and Professional Ethos
Colleagues often describe Gabriella Lee as meticulous, proactive, and editorially sharp. Her progression from PR intern to Planning Editor at one of the UK’s most respected newsrooms is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Her academic distinctions and professional achievements highlight her drive for excellence, while her regional focus underlines her belief that local journalism remains the backbone of democracy.
Conclusion: A Journalist Shaping the Future of Regional News
Gabriella Lee represents a new generation of British journalists who combine academic rigour, digital fluency, and ethical integrity to tell meaningful stories. As Planning Editor at ITV Granada, she continues to play an essential role in connecting communities, amplifying regional voices, and ensuring that the North West’s stories reach national and global audiences.
Her journey from university lecture halls to ITV’s newsroom floor reflects not only personal ambition but also a broader commitment to authentic storytelling — a quality that will continue to define her career and inspire the future of journalism in the UK.
