Lara Rostron has steadily become a well-recognised name in British regional broadcasting, particularly in the north of England. As one of the lead presenters on ITV News Calendar, she has developed a reputation for professionalism, empathy, and the ability to communicate complex local and national issues in a way that resonates with viewers. Her story is not only about being in front of the camera, but also about perseverance, dedication, and the art of storytelling within journalism.
Early Life and Background
Lara Rostron originally hails from Cumbria, a county known for its lakes, mountains, and rich cultural history. Growing up in the north of England shaped her understanding of regional identity and the unique challenges faced by communities outside London. While London is often regarded as the heart of the UK media industry, Lara’s journey shows how talent from smaller towns and counties can shine on a national stage when given the right opportunities.
Her early life was rooted in northern traditions, and her appreciation for community spirit later translated into her career in local journalism. Living in North Yorkshire today, Lara maintains strong ties to the region and its people, ensuring that her reporting reflects authenticity and real lived experiences.
Entry into Journalism
Lara’s path into journalism was shaped by her natural curiosity and determination to tell stories that matter. Journalism is a competitive field, often requiring years of dedication, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. Lara’s early professional years were focused on building a foundation in local reporting, honing her interviewing skills, and learning how to present news stories under pressure.
She soon became known for her ability to combine hard-hitting journalism with compassionate storytelling. This balance allowed her to report on challenging subjects without losing sight of the human element at the core of every story. Her early assignments covered both everyday community stories and significant national events that impacted local lives, demonstrating her range and adaptability as a journalist.
Work with BBC Look North
Before joining ITV, Lara Rostron made a significant mark at the BBC. She co-presented BBC Look North, a regional news programme that holds a special place in the hearts of viewers across Yorkshire and the North East. During her time there, she worked alongside the much-loved broadcaster Harry Gration, who was a respected figure in British journalism until his passing in 2022.
Working at the BBC gave Lara valuable experience in live broadcasting, interviews, and coverage of major events. Look North is known for tackling a wide range of stories, from politics and business to education and culture. Being part of such a programme not only strengthened Lara’s reputation as a reliable journalist but also gave her the opportunity to connect with a broad audience across the region.
Joining ITV News Calendar
In April 2022, Lara Rostron officially joined ITV News Calendar as a main presenter, stepping into a role that required both skill and presence. ITV News Calendar is one of the most watched regional news programmes in the country, broadcast daily to audiences across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Co-presenting alongside Duncan Wood at first, and later with others in the ITV team, Lara quickly became a familiar face to viewers. Her ability to deliver the news with clarity and composure has been widely recognised. She has managed to bring her own warmth and professional style to the programme, making her a trusted figure in homes across the region.
Her move to ITV demonstrated not just career progression but also her adaptability in adjusting to different newsroom cultures and production styles. For audiences, Lara’s arrival was a refreshing addition that reinforced ITV’s commitment to high-quality regional journalism.
Reporting on Major Regional Stories
Lara Rostron has been involved in reporting some of the most important regional stories in recent history. Among her notable coverage was the devastating Boxing Day floods in York in 2015. These floods left thousands of people displaced and caused widespread damage, and Lara’s reporting helped to highlight the human impact of natural disasters.
Another significant story she reported on was the closure of Kellingley Colliery, the last deep coal mine in Britain. This event marked the end of an era in British industrial history, and Lara was part of the team that captured the voices of miners, their families, and local communities. Such reporting is crucial not only for recording history but also for giving affected individuals a platform.
Her journalistic style demonstrates a commitment to balance: she can cover the technical aspects of infrastructure, economics, and politics, while also ensuring that the real people affected are not overlooked. This combination of hard facts and human stories is what makes her reporting stand out.
A Trusted Voice in Regional Broadcasting
One of Lara Rostron’s greatest achievements has been the trust she has earned from viewers. In regional broadcasting, trust is essential. Viewers expect presenters to understand their local issues, reflect their values, and give fair coverage to stories that may not make national headlines.
Lara has successfully built that connection. She is not just a journalist reading from an autocue; she is a communicator who listens, empathises, and reflects the concerns of her audience. This authenticity is perhaps why she has become such a respected figure in a relatively short span of time at ITV News Calendar.
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Behind the professional success, Lara Rostron is also a mother to two football-mad boys. Living in York, she has often shared how important family life is to her. This balance between career and personal commitments is something many working parents in the UK can relate to.
Her ability to manage both worlds demonstrates resilience and discipline. It also makes her more relatable to viewers, as audiences often feel closer to presenters who share aspects of their personal lives. By being open about motherhood and family, Lara shows that it is possible to thrive both at work and at home.
The Role of Women in British Broadcasting
Lara Rostron’s journey is also part of a wider narrative about the growing visibility and influence of women in British broadcasting. Over the last few decades, more women have taken up leadership roles in journalism and media presentation.
Lara is an example of this progress. She has not only taken on prominent presenting roles but has also reported on significant events with confidence and authority. By doing so, she continues to inspire young women who aspire to enter journalism and broadcasting, showing them that regional media can provide powerful opportunities for growth and impact.
Impact on Modern Journalism
The media landscape in the UK is evolving rapidly, with digital platforms, social media, and changing viewer habits reshaping how journalism is delivered. Despite these shifts, Lara Rostron’s career illustrates that traditional broadcasting remains a vital part of public life.
Regional news programmes like ITV Calendar are more than just information providers; they are community lifelines. By anchoring these programmes, Lara ensures that people stay informed about issues directly affecting them, whether that is local politics, health services, education, or infrastructure.
In an era when misinformation can spread quickly online, the trustworthiness of presenters like Lara Rostron becomes even more valuable. She represents a standard of journalism built on accuracy, fairness, and connection with the audience.
Challenges in Regional News
Working in regional journalism is not without its challenges. Budget cuts, competition from online media, and the fast pace of news cycles often place extra pressure on journalists. Lara Rostron has had to navigate these realities while maintaining the high standards that audiences expect.
Despite these obstacles, she continues to demonstrate that regional journalism can thrive when anchored by committed professionals. Her career provides reassurance that even in uncertain times, there are journalists willing to prioritise the truth and the voices of local communities.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Lara Rostron is likely to remain an important figure in British broadcasting. Her experience, relatability, and ability to adapt suggest that she could continue to expand her influence, perhaps even taking on more national projects in the future.
At the same time, her dedication to regional journalism means she may choose to focus on strengthening her presence at ITV Calendar, ensuring that communities in Yorkshire and the surrounding regions remain well represented in the media.
Whatever direction her career takes, Lara has already established herself as a respected journalist whose contribution goes beyond reading the news. She symbolises the values of regional broadcasting: authenticity, fairness, and community.
Conclusion
Lara Rostron’s journey from Cumbria to becoming a lead presenter at ITV News Calendar is an inspiring story of determination, professionalism, and human connection. Her work with both the BBC and ITV highlights the importance of regional news in the UK, demonstrating that the voices of local communities matter just as much as national headlines.
By covering major events like the Boxing Day floods and the closure of Kellingley Colliery, Lara has shown that she is committed to telling stories that shape people’s lives. Her presence on screen is a reminder that journalism, at its best, is about more than information—it is about empathy, understanding, and trust.
