Channel 4 war over 'them and us' newsroom

Bosses at Channel 4 News have had complaints about "incredibly erosive" plans to turn some presenters into stars while relegating others to obscurity.

More than 20 journalists have signed a letter condemning splits within the newsroom created by a "them and us" culture among on-screen staff.

They include presenters Alex Thompson, Samira Ahmed, Faisal Islam and Cathy Newman, all said to be furious at the growing emergence of a "two-tier" newsroom, with some reporters deemed more important than others.

Other reporters who signed the letter include political editor Gary Gibbon, international editor Lindsey Hilsum and Washington correspondent Sarah Smith, who have also complained about staff shortages and communication failings by management.

The leaked letter was sent to editor Jim Gray and his deputy Martin Fewell. It states: "We feel it is time there is more of a feeling of mutuality. We believe we need to feel 'we are all in this together' as opposed to the 'them and us' culture that has now developed in this newsroom. We still want to hear from you how you will address this sense of a two-tier newsroom - where some reporters are more important than others - which has been incredibly erosive and divisive for on-screen staff."

Although the higher-tier reporters are not named, insiders referred to the appointment of six specialist editors, including Gibbon, Hilsum and Islam, as well as culture editor Matthew Cain.

A source said: "I think Channel 4 News wants to be pushing its big-name reporters in order to have more impact. Those not included in that have naturally felt concerned for their positions."

Problems are believed to centre on "creative renewal" changes to the programme's online presence, with a top table of 15 dubbed the "news team" and a dozen other staff left off the list.

Mr Fewell said: "You want to promote your big people but there are also some who have particular traction online. We explained this to the team but of course it's a bit unnerving for people."

A spokesman for Channel 4 News said: "Since 2009 we have made a series of changes to deliver a newly-invigorated programme. This is the next stage of that process, and whilst we acknowledge that change provides challenges for any organisation, we are glad to have a renewed investment from the Channel to deliver this plan and open communication with what we think is the best production team in the business."