Media & Journalists

Who Is Debi Edward? The Scottish Journalist Making Waves in Asia

Debi Edward has become one of the most recognisable faces in international broadcast journalism, known for her fearless reporting from some of Asia’s most challenging locations. As ITV News Asia Correspondent, she brings compelling stories from across the continent directly to viewers in the UK and beyond.

Debi Edward – Biography

CategoryDetails
Full NameDebi Edward
ProfessionBroadcast Journalist, Foreign Correspondent
Current PositionITV News Asia Correspondent
NationalityScottish, British
BirthplaceAberdeen, Scotland
AgeEarly-to-mid 40s (estimated)
EducationLaurel Bank School for Girls
National Council for Training of Journalists Course (NCTJ)
Strathclyde University
Career Start2003
First RoleBroadcast Journalist at Wave 102 FM (2003-2004)
Early CareerSaga 105.2 FM (2004-2005)
STV CareerReporter and Presenter (2005-2008)
Scotland Today Presenter
Co-host of “The Five Thirty Show” (2007-2008)
ITN RoleScotland Correspondent (2008-2016)
Current BaseBeijing, China
Position SinceFebruary 2016 (China/Asia Correspondent)
Notable CoverageCOVID-19 in China, India Elections 2024, South China Sea tensions, Australian bushfires, Myanmar earthquake, Taiwan-China relations, MH370, AI in education
Viral MomentDrop Bear prank during Australian bushfire coverage (January 2020)
Marital StatusNot publicly disclosed
Partner/HusbandPrivate – no public information
Social Media@debiedwarditv on X/Twitter (since March 2010)
Known ForOn-the-ground crisis reporting, Asia correspondent work, accessible international journalism
SpecialtyForeign correspondence, political analysis, humanitarian reporting, geopolitical coverage

Early Life and Educational Foundation

Originally hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, Debi Edward built her foundation for journalism through quality education and professional training. She attended Laurel Bank School for Girls, where her interest in storytelling and current affairs began to take shape. Understanding the importance of formal training in journalism, she completed the prestigious National Council for Training of Journalists Course (NCTJ), which is widely regarded as the gold standard for aspiring journalists in the UK. She further enhanced her academic credentials by studying at Strathclyde University, equipping herself with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Breaking Into Broadcasting: Radio Days (2003-2005)

Every successful broadcaster has to start somewhere, and for Debi Edward, that beginning was in radio. Between 2003 and 2004, she worked as a broadcast journalist at Wave 102 FM, where she honed her skills in live reporting, script writing, and audio storytelling. She then moved to Saga 105.2 FM from 2004 to 2005, continuing to develop her distinctive voice and journalistic approach. These radio years proved invaluable, teaching her how to convey complex information clearly and concisely—skills that would become essential in her television career.

The STV Years: Building a Television Reputation (2005-2008)

In 2005, Debi Edward made the pivotal transition from radio to television when she joined STV as a reporter and presenter. This marked a significant step forward in her broadcasting journey. She took on the challenging role of presenting Scotland Today’s weekday morning bulletins at 5:25 am during GMTV, demonstrating her commitment and work ethic. She also served as an occasional weekend bulletin presenter and stood in for Scotland Today’s news opt-out in the West region.

From 2007 to 2008, she co-presented “The Five Thirty Show” alongside Stephen Jardine, a popular magazine-style program that allowed her to showcase her versatility as a broadcaster. She left The Five Thirty Show in May 2008 to pursue new opportunities that would take her career to the national stage.

Scotland Correspondent for ITN (2008-2016)

Debi Edward

When Debi Edward was appointed Scotland Correspondent for ITN in 2008, she stepped into a role that would define the next chapter of her career. Rachel McTavish replaced her on The Five Thirty Show, while she focused on covering Scottish and northern England news of national interest for ITV News. During this period, she reported on major stories including Scottish elections, sporting events like Wimbledon when Scottish players were involved, and significant incidents from Cumbria and across the region. Her work during these years established her reputation as a reliable, insightful journalist capable of handling diverse stories with professionalism.

Debi Edward’s Current Role: Asia Correspondent

In February 2016, Debi Edward took on perhaps her most challenging and exciting role yet when she was appointed China Correspondent for ITV News. Based in Beijing, China, she later expanded her remit to become Asia Correspondent, covering major stories across the entire Asian region. This position has allowed her to report on some of the most significant global events of recent years.

Her coverage has been remarkably diverse. In 2024, she reported on India’s general elections from New Delhi, providing British audiences with insights into the world’s largest democratic exercise. She has covered China’s military parades and displays of national strength, offering viewers a window into the country’s growing global influence. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she documented daily life and health screenings in Beijing, showing how one of the world’s most populous nations responded to the crisis.

Debi Edward has also reported on U.S.-Philippines military drills in the South China Sea in 2023, highlighting rising tensions in this strategically important region. She has covered humanitarian crises, including the Myanmar earthquake and Thailand’s border refugee crisis, bringing human stories to the forefront. Her reporting on Taiwan-China tensions and air force incursions has helped audiences understand one of the world’s most delicate geopolitical situations. She also contributed to coverage of the missing flight MH370, one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.

More recently, in 2025, she has reported on AI integration in Beijing classrooms, showcasing how technology is reshaping education, and China’s expansion as a renewable energy superpower. She has also covered the ongoing impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war from an Asian perspective.

The Viral Drop Bear Moment

In January 2020, while reporting on the devastating Australian bushfire crisis on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Debi Edward experienced a moment that would bring her international viral fame—though not in the way she expected. Wildlife park staff played a classic Australian prank on her, convincing her that she needed full protective gear to hold a dangerous “drop bear.” In reality, she was holding a harmless koala. Her genuine reaction as she realised she had been pranked delighted viewers around the world and provided a much-needed moment of levity during the tragic bushfire crisis. The video went viral internationally, showcasing her good humour and humanity.

Debi Edward Age: How Old Is the ITV Journalist?

While Debi Edward age is a common search query among viewers curious about the accomplished journalist, she has maintained privacy regarding her exact birth date. Based on her career timeline—beginning professional journalism work in 2003—it can be estimated that she is likely in her early-to-mid 40s. However, she has chosen not to publicly disclose specific details about her age, preferring to let her work speak for itself.

Is Debi Edward Married? Partner and Husband Details

Questions about whether is Debbie Edwards ITV married frequently arise from viewers who follow her career. Debi Edward, partner and Debi Edward husband are among the most searched terms related to her personal life. However, the journalist has maintained a notably private personal life, keeping details about any romantic relationships away from public scrutiny. She does not regularly share information about a partner or husband on her social media platforms, and there are no confirmed public records or announcements regarding her marital status.

This privacy is not unusual among foreign correspondents, who often maintain clear boundaries between their professional reporting and personal lives. Debi Edward appears to follow this approach, focusing public attention on her journalism rather than her private relationships. Whether she has a partner or husband remains information she has chosen not to share publicly.

Professional Style and Impact

Debi Edward has developed a reputation for on-the-ground reporting from international crisis zones, bringing comprehensive Asia-wide storytelling to ITV News audiences. Her coverage spans political analysis, humanitarian issues, environmental concerns, and military developments. Based in Beijing with regular regional assignments throughout Asia, she maintains an active social media presence on X/Twitter (@debiedwarditv, joined March 2010), where she shares updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her reporting.

Her journalism style balances serious political analysis with human interest stories, making complex global narratives accessible to everyday viewers. She reports on environmental issues, technological developments, and geopolitical tensions with a direct, accessible approach that brings Asian stories to UK audiences in relatable ways. Her work exemplifies the role of foreign correspondents in helping domestic audiences understand international events that shape our interconnected world.

The Journey Continues

From her early days at Scottish radio stations to becoming ITV’s eyes and ears across Asia, Debi Edward has built an impressive career through dedication, skill, and a willingness to report from wherever the story takes her. While details about Debi Edward partner status and Debi Edward husband remain private, her professional accomplishments speak volumes about her commitment to journalism. Her work continues to inform, educate, and occasionally entertain millions of viewers, proving that great storytelling transcends borders.

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