TV News

Mark Southgate: Regional Director, ITV Meridian/London

“Helen is a top class journalist, a terrific producer and director, a skilled interviewer and presenter, but – above all else – Helen is a wonderful problem-solver!

She has a great “can-do” attitude and when that is combined with her dogged determination, her capacity for sheer hard work, and her very likeable personality, then no door remains closed to her for very long. She is someone who – whatever the task – delivers to the highest of standards.
I’ve seen Helen at first hand working as a news reporter, a news presenter, a producer of high-quality entertainment features, and skilled interviewer who is as confident with senior politicians as she is with Hollywood celebrities. I’ve seen her produce half-hour factual programmes and I’ve seen her present them too. She excels in all of these roles.

Her news background gives her the ability to work quickly, unobtrusively, and efficiently. She does her research thoroughly, plans carefully, and can then shoot fast and effectively, getting the most value possible out of a limited amount of time on location. Onto those core skills is grafted a confident and warm personality which means people like her, trust her, and enjoy working with her. It is a winning combination. Helen has produced some outstanding work for ITV over the years in a wide variety of roles. She is one of those rare people who when you ask them to do something difficult, makes it look effortless and then delivers results that far exceed your expectations.”

Fred Dinenage: Presenter, ITV Meridian Tonight

“Helen James has been a colleague of mine in ITV in the south for a number of years. She is one of the finest film-makers I’ve ever worked with, with a particular skill in reporting on entertainment and film/show business celebrities.

Her showbiz interviews have been absolutely fabulous! She is also a top-class studio presenter. And she’s a joy to work alongside with an infectious enthusiasm for everything she does. She’s truly a lovely and talented lady.”

Debbie Thrower: Presenter - ITV Meridian Tonight (South)

“I have been a colleague of Helen James for many years and in the last four, particularly, have seen her blossom in her specialism as an entertainments correspondent.

She consistently produces well researched high-gloss pieces about the latest film releases and stage productions.

She has real journalistic “nous” when it comes to knowing and owning a good story. I envy her contacts book which is invaluable when it comes to knowing just who to reach to get THE interview of the moment.

With her expertise as a presenter too she shows a dazzling versatility. She is a lively, energetic personality with the chutzpah to succeed in whatever her chosen field, and with both a journalistic and technical background in directing she is well-placed to maximise her skills in an increasingly competitive broadcasting environment.”

Wesley Smith: Presenter ITV, Thames Valley Tonight

“Helen has produced some of the best features material I have seen in 24 years working for ITV. The quality of her work is outstanding and she always goes the extra mile to achieve excellence. Her interpersonal skills have seen her build contacts and achieve results people working in any national organisation would envy. Helen understands how technology can be best used to maximise visual impact. As a live news co-presenter, Helen was always a pleasure to work alongside.”

Ian Axton: Presenter – ITV Meridian Tonight

"You get to know someone quite well when they sit next to you night after night for half an hour of live TV!  I’ve had the pleasure of working with Helen James for five years and watching her perform as both a presenter and reporter.

Her warm personality always shines through on screen and she’s 100% dedicated to everything she does.  Helen can handle the serious and the light hearted and always gets the most from interviewees whether live or on tape.
 
As an Entertainment Correspondent she’s excelled, creating ‘must watch’ reports that put the gloss into our magazine programme. She’s one of the most talented and hard working people I’ve been lucky enough to work with."

Robin Britton: Head of News, ITV Meridian 

“Helen James is a first-class journalist whose wide range of skills include reporting and live presentation – on location or from the studio.

She specialises in Arts & Entertainment and her network of contacts are unrivalled, reading like a BAFTA nomination list of ‘stars’ before or behind the camera. Many working in this field deliver reports or packages that regurgitate press releases or deliver little the viewer doesn’t already know. Helen's standards would never let her fall into this trap. Her reports go much deeper because they have a level of research and execution that are tailor-made to those watching – be it a particular angle others have missed or because her contacts have given her access others just don’t get. As a result her conversations take those she’s interviewing in a new direction, engaging them in a way others cannot, consequently they are much better experience for the interviewee and the viewer.

Her features also ‘look’ better because she always gets the best out of her crew, being able to direct and produce to the highest level, and because she generates and sets up her own stories.

While Arts & Entertainment is her specialist subject, the truth is Helen can turn her hand to anything and do it very well. She is excellent at general news reporting and a top performer when dealing with breaking news.”

Justine Morris: Producer, ITV/BBC news

“Helen is driven, thorough and passionate about what she does. Her enthusiasm is infectious, she's always full of ideas - and the end product never disappoints.”