Louisa Compton has been appointed head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, replacing Dorothy Byrne.

As well as heading up the news and current affairs programming, Compton will also oversee sport, with head of sport Pete Andrews reporting into her.

Her role will take effect from 1 May, when Byrne moves to a year-long role as editor-at-large, a specially-created position.

Compton joined the PSB in 2018 as commissioning editor for news and current affairs, where her credits included Dispatches, Trump”s Plans for the NHS and Growing Up Poor: Britain”s Breadline Kids.

In 2019 she oversaw the channel”s general election coverage and recently led the current affairs department”s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where she commissioned a variety of fast-turnaround content.

Ian Katz, C4”s director of programmes, said: “Dorothy Byrne is a very hard act to follow but if anyone is equipped to it”s Louisa.

“She has a remarkable combination of news experience, eye for a story and creative flair that won her multiple awards as a programme editor and has helped her make Dispatches the hardest hitting current affairs programme in Britain.

“She will be a brilliant custodian of Channel 4”s proud tradition of in-depth reporting and investigation and will also oversee our award-winning sports coverage.”