ITV's Charlene White responds after being 'slated' by presenter Jan Leeming

Charlene White's calm demeanor on ITV News has been a staple of the evening broadcast for years, but behind the scenes, the veteran journalist has been dealing with a public backlash from a fellow presenter. Jan Leeming, a respected veteran of the industry, recently took to social media to share her thoughts on White's newsreading style, calling it condescending and questioning her ability to hack it as a newsreader.

The comments, shared on X earlier this evening, were met with widespread criticism from White's fans, who rushed to her defence on social media. White herself responded, expressing surprise at the public jibe from someone she had once admired as a child. In an industry where women, and black women in particular, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, White's words highlighted the tension between the old guard and the new generation of journalists.

Jan Leeming's comments are the latest in a long line of public criticisms directed at White's style. While some have praised her as a terrific newsreader, with a very personal touch, others have questioned her ability to deliver news in a clear and authoritative manner. The backlash has been largely one-sided, with White's fans coming to her defence on social media.

The comments from Leeming, who has been a respected voice in the industry for decades, have sparked a renewed debate about the changing face of journalism and the challenges faced by women, particularly black women, in the industry. White's words highlighted the tension between the old guard and the new generation of journalists, and the need for greater understanding and respect between colleagues.

Charlene White's response to Leeming's comments has been characterised by her calm and measured tone. While some have questioned her ability to hack it as a newsreader, others have praised her for bringing a unique personal touch to the role. White's fans have rallied around her, defending her against the public backlash and praising her as a talented and authoritative journalist.

The debate has sparked a wider conversation about the role of women in journalism and the challenges they face in the industry. While some have questioned White's ability to deliver news in a clear and authoritative manner, others have praised her for bringing a fresh perspective to the role.

The comments from Leeming and White's response highlight the need for greater understanding and respect between colleagues in the industry. As the face of journalism continues to evolve, it's clear that the old guard and the new generation of journalists will have to find a way to work together in order to move forward.

In a statement, White said: "Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media. In an industry where women, especially black women, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, this type of disrespect from a fellow female journo feels like something from a bygone era."

Leeming later apologised for her comments, saying: "I said I didn’t know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending. It has nothing to do with colour, Jan wrote. Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life. It was only an opinion and my apologies to you."

As the debate continues to unfold, it's clear that the industry will have to find a way to move forward and work together in order to succeed. The comments from Leeming and White's response highlight the need for greater understanding and respect between colleagues, and the importance of moving forward in a positive and constructive manner.

• Jan Leeming made public comments about Charlene White's newsreading style on X
• White responded, expressing surprise and disappointment at the public jibe
• Leeming later apologised for her comments, saying they had nothing to do with White's colour
• The debate has sparked a wider conversation about the role of women in journalism and the challenges they face in the industry.

As a writer, it's clear that the industry is at a crossroads, and the way forward will require greater understanding and respect between colleagues. Charlene White's response to the public backlash has been evidence of her calm and measured tone, and her ability to bring a unique personal touch to the role. As the debate continues to unfold, it's clear that the industry will have to find a way to move forward and work together in order to succeed.