By Oscar Woods 
Yasmin Bodalbhai has become a recognizable face in British journalism, carving out a reputation as one of ITV News’s most dedicated reporters and presenters. Her career trajectory from regional news to national broadcasting tells a story of persistence, investigative excellence, and genuine commitment to telling stories that matter.
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From Regional Reporter to National Presenter
The British journalist started her professional broadcasting journey at ITV News Central in Birmingham in 2016, where she spent five years building her skills as both a reporter and presenter. During this time, Bodalbhai covered everything from breaking news to longer investigative pieces, establishing herself as someone who could handle both the immediacy of live reporting and the depth required for complex investigations.
In November 2022, Bodalbhai made the transition to a national role with ITN, where she now regularly presents ITV Lunchtime News, weekend evening bulletins, and the flagship ITV London 6pm programme. She was also part of the team that helped launch the news section of ITVX, the network’s streaming service.
The Investigation That Changed Everything
What truly set Bodalbhai apart was her months long investigation into children’s mental health services in the UK. The project began with a social media post asking families to share their experiences, and the response was overwhelming. Families opened up about their struggles to access adequate mental health support for their children, revealing systemic failures in the provision of these services.
The investigation took months to complete and required Bodalbhai to navigate emotionally demanding territory, interviewing families who had been failed by the system. The finished piece was so powerful that ITV Central dedicated an entire programme to it, which Bodalbhai herself anchored.
This work earned her significant recognition. In 2021, she won Regional Journalist of the Year at the Asian Media Awards. She also received both national and regional Royal Television Society awards for the investigation, with the RTS describing it as brave, gripping, responsible and important.
Educational Background and Early Career
Before television, Bodalbhai earned a BA in European and Middle Eastern Languages (Arabic and French) from the University of Oxford, achieving a 2:1. She later completed a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London, graduating with distinction in 2012.
Her media career started in radio, where she worked as a broadcast journalist for several stations including STAR Radio, KL.FM 96.7, and Eagle Radio. She also gained experience at BBC World Service Radio before joining ITN as a trainee in October 2014. By July 2015, she had been promoted to Assistant News Editor.
Coverage Beyond Mental Health
While her mental health investigation remains a career highlight, Bodalbhai has covered a wide range of significant stories. She reported on Storm Eunice, the February 2022 floods, and the disappearance of Katie Kenyon. During the pandemic, she pressed local government officials over their handling of the crisis and heard from junior doctors working on the front line.
Her work has consistently focused on accountability and human impact. Whether investigating the handling of driving tests during lockdown or examining how flooding affected a Muslim cemetery, Bodalbhai brings a combination of thorough research and empathetic storytelling to her reporting.
She also reported from COP26 in Glasgow, delivered a live report on a moving high speed HS2 train, and covered the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing.
Recognition and Awards
Beyond the Asian Media Award and RTS honours, Bodalbhai has been recognized by peers and viewers for maintaining high standards of journalism. Her work demonstrates a willingness to tackle difficult subjects that many outlets might shy away from, particularly when they involve vulnerable communities or require months of patient investigation.
The journalist’s approach combines data and policy analysis with personal stories, ensuring that broader systemic issues are grounded in the real experiences of the people affected by them.
A Journalist Who Listens
Those familiar with Bodalbhai’s work note her ability to get people to open up, even about the most painful experiences. In discussing her mental health investigation, she has acknowledged that the award was really about the families who trusted her with their stories, and the team that supported the work from start to finish.
This collaborative approach, combined with a genuine respect for her subjects, has become a hallmark of her journalism. She approaches stories not as an outsider looking in, but as someone committed to representing people’s experiences accurately and fairly.
Looking Forward
Now firmly established as a national presenter and reporter for ITV News, Bodalbhai continues to balance live broadcasting with longer form investigative work. She regularly anchors major bulletins while also reporting on stories that require deeper research and more nuanced treatment.
Her recent work includes reporting on menopause as a medical condition and other health related issues that affect communities across the UK. She remains committed to the kind of journalism that prompts discussion, holds power to account, and gives voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.
For viewers tuning into ITV News, Bodalbhai represents a new generation of British journalists who combine professional polish with genuine empathy, investigative rigour with accessible presentation, and a commitment to truth with an understanding that every statistic represents a real person.
As British journalism continues to grapple with questions about representation, accountability, and the role of media in society, journalists like Yasmin Bodalbhai demonstrate that excellence and integrity can coexist with compassion and cultural awareness. Her trajectory from trainee to national presenter, built on the foundation of award winning investigative work, offers a template for what modern broadcast journalism can achieve when it prioritizes substance over sensation.