Cristina Nicolotti Squires: A Trailblazer in UK Broadcast Journalism and Media Regulation
Cristina Nicolotti Squires is one of the most influential figures in UK journalism, renowned for her exceptional leadership and editorial skills. With a career spanning over 35 years, she has left an indelible mark on some of the UK’s leading broadcasters. As of January 2024, she has taken on the prestigious role of Group Director for Broadcast and Media at Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. This pivotal position places her at the heart of media regulation, where she will be shaping the future of broadcasting, TV, radio, and on-demand services in the UK.
In this article, we will delve into Cristina Nicolotti Squires’ distinguished career, her significant contributions to UK media, and the legacy she is building in both journalism and media regulation.
A Remarkable Career in Broadcast Journalism
Cristina Nicolotti Squires’ career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism. Starting in the 1990s, she quickly rose through the ranks in the world of broadcast news. Her early years were spent honing her skills as a News Editor at London News Network and later as a Programme Editor at ITN. During this time, she developed a sharp editorial sense that would guide her through her future leadership roles.
Editor at Channel 5 (ITN)
From 2013 to 2017, Cristina served as the Editor of Channel 5‘s news division, where she made a significant impact. She led a dynamic team of over 50 staff and 20 freelance contributors to produce high-quality news programming.
Her role went beyond just editorial oversight; she was responsible for managing client and talent relationships, compliance, and staff development. During her tenure, she played a key role in renewing ITN’s contract with Channel 5, bringing in notable talent like BBC’s Sian Williams as the main anchor. Under her leadership, Channel 5’s news programming earned multiple nominations for the prestigious Royal Television Society Awards.
Director of Content at Sky News
Cristina’s most notable role came in 2017, when she was appointed Director of Content at Sky News. For nearly seven years, she worked under the Head of News to oversee the editorial and strategic direction across Sky News’ platforms, including television, mobile, and radio.
Leading a team of 150 journalists, she was responsible for shaping the content’s look, feel, and editorial standards. In this role, she played a crucial part in driving digital transformation, resulting in a significant increase in digital, TV, and audio audiences. Cristina’s leadership helped Sky News navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring it stayed at the forefront of news delivery.
Contributions to ITV News and ITN
Before her roles at Channel 5 and Sky News, Cristina had a significant impact at ITV News, where she spent a large part of her career. As the Assistant Editor and Head of Output, she oversaw all of ITV News’ editorial output and played a critical role in managing the day-to-day editorial decisions for flagship programs like News at Ten.
Cristina’s editorial acumen was evident in her ability to steer ITV’s news coverage during major events, ensuring that the programming was not only accurate but also timely and relevant. In recognition of her contributions, she helped ITV News secure a Royal Television Society Award in 2010 for the program News at Ten, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the industry.
In addition to her editorial leadership, Cristina’s work at ITN also included developing and producing special programs. Her most notable contribution was conceiving and producing ITV’s coverage of the Royal Wedding and Jubilee special programs, which were critically acclaimed and widely viewed.
Passion for Diversity and Mentorship
Cristina Nicolotti Squires is not only known for her editorial and leadership skills but also for her commitment to promoting diversity within the journalism industry. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to increase representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. Her efforts to ensure more women take on senior roles in the media industry have been a driving force throughout her career.
She has launched various mentorship schemes, aimed at helping women break into senior positions in journalism. These initiatives have paved the way for the next generation of female journalists, allowing them to take on leadership roles that have historically been dominated by men. Cristina’s passion for diversity and inclusion has made her a leading advocate for equal representation in the media, and her efforts have been recognized across the industry.
Group Director at Ofcom: Shaping the Future of UK Media
As of January 2024, Cristina Nicolotti Squires began a new chapter in her career as Group Director for Broadcast and Media at Ofcom. This pivotal role places her in charge of overseeing the regulation of the UK’s broadcasting, TV, radio, and on-demand services. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring that the UK’s media landscape remains fair, transparent, and accountable.
Ofcom plays a critical role in maintaining broadcasting standards, and with the media industry undergoing rapid transformation due to digital technology, Cristina’s experience in both traditional and digital news formats will be invaluable. She is committed to ensuring that UK audiences have access to high-quality, impartial, and accurate news, regardless of the platform they choose.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires: A Proven Leader
Cristina Nicolotti Squires is a proven leader with a track record of driving change, inspiring teams, and fostering innovation. Her career has been defined by her ability to build strong relationships with her peers, mentors, and staff members. She has a deep understanding of her audience, which has allowed her to create compelling content that resonates with viewers across multiple platforms.
Her financial and commercial acumen, combined with her editorial expertise, has made her a sought-after leader in the media industry. Cristina has successfully managed multi-million-pound budgets and has shown a unique ability to navigate the financial complexities of the modern media landscape.
Conclusion
Cristina Nicolotti Squires is a name that will continue to shape the future of UK journalism and media regulation for years to come. From her early days in news production to her current leadership role at Ofcom, she has demonstrated exceptional skills, resilience, and vision in the ever-changing media landscape. Cristina’s commitment to diversity, mentorship, and high-quality journalism serves as an inspiration for future generations of journalists. As she steers the regulatory framework at Ofcom, we can be certain that she will continue to uphold the values of impartiality, transparency, and excellence in broadcasting.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires’ career is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and a passion for quality journalism that serves the public good. As the media industry faces new challenges and opportunities, her experience and vision will be critical in shaping its future.
