[Stockland Hillman]

Whilst it's completely fine to have two same gender presenters,  it is disappointing they couldn't find a single male in the whole region to step up. 

No wonder there is a lack of male presenters in the UK where there is no talent development. ITV regions being particularly poor - both on screen and in more senior producer/editor roles.

Gender and socio-economic balance are just as important in cultural diversity.

It's telling that Alex Beresford never (afik) presented ITV West news whem he was there, and had to wait until GMB to step upto main host.

What a ridiculous post. No talent development? There are countless development and work experience programmes in tv news, particularly within ITV.

Dealing with what was actually written, exclusively about PRESENTERS development,  at each level  there aren't as many men brought on screen for bullies and main programme fillins as woman in most regions.  Some regions do better than other.

It's hard to explain without outing the people involved, but it's a phenomenon that actual staff describe to me, they don't feel mentored in that side of things and feel discouraged from spending time developing the skills. How true that perception is open to debate but it cant fairly be described as ridiculous.

It's not unnoticed that when jobs do arise, Guy Phillips has gone for external BBC candidates and internal moves of already quasi lead names (Anglia,  West Country from BBC; Channel, Meridian, Central all in-house long term)

Skipping over the obvious example given in favor of insults doesn't add to anything, but if you want to play for 'likes' then by all means.

For core business requirements like reporting,   ITV do offer good training and development, but it's not altruistic - work experience at different sites functions as staff cover and headcount for the business. A few months at ITV Channel isn't going to make you a much better skilled reporter after all, however cute the little outing may be.

If you work in regional TV, Phil,  perhaps take time to talk to your male colleagues and explore the topic in an open and trusting way and really listen to what they tell you. It won't be everyone's experience but it a reality for far too many. 

BtW, It's not a "culture war" issue,  50+ woman in particular have some horror stories to share as well, which equally don't look great on certain broadcasters - but we're talking about specific F+F pairing today.