TV newsman Ruban’’s BIG SCOOP!!

PUTTING issues facing disabled people centre stage in the news has earned TV actor-turned-reporter Ruben Reuter a major national award.

The 23-year-old Channel 4 News correspondent has been recognised for his “thoughtful reporting and giving a voice to communities often unheard in mainstream news programmes”.

Previously a regular face on the CBBC drama The Dumping Ground, he was named Journalist of the Year at national disability charity Sense’s annual awards.

Richard Kramer, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Ruben has played an important role in highlighting the many challenges disabled people face and ensuring disabled people’s stories and voices are heard in the mainstream news.

“We look forward to watching him tackle many other important news issues in the years ahead.”

Ruben has Down’s Syndrome and one of his key interviews last year was with Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker James Martin, who also has the condition. The pair talked candidly about fears over cuts to disability funding.

He has also tackled the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on disabled people and co-presented a documentary.

After joining the Channel 4 News team in 2021, he has gone on to become a key contributor to the programme.

Ruben, from Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, said: “I can’t believe I’ve won. It means so much to me.

“I feel really lucky to be part of a great team at Channel 4 – the commissioners and producers support me and allow me to do my job.

“As disabled people, we have important and interesting stories to tell. I feel privileged to help share them with wider TV audiences.

“Looking to the future, I hope to carry on making reports which explore untold stories and highlight some of the issues I feel strongly about, like biodiversity and creating a healthier planet.

“You’re never too small to make a difference.”