James Mates, MBE, is a well-respected journalist who has dedicated his career to covering major global events, with a special focus on European politics and international relations. Over the course of his illustrious career, Mates has reported from conflict zones, interviewed world leaders, and offered insightful analysis of key political developments. As the Europe Editor at ITV News, his role has been crucial in shaping how European issues are presented to British audiences. In this article, we will explore James Mates’ early life, career, family, and personal life, while also delving into his age, net worth, family details, and health.
James Mates Early Life and Family Background
James Mates was born on 11 August 1961. As of 2025, he is 64 years old. His early life was shaped by a family steeped in political and public service. His father, Michael Mates, was a prominent figure in British politics, serving as a Conservative Member of Parliament. James grew up in an environment where politics and public affairs were regularly discussed, and this exposure undoubtedly influenced his later career choice.
Mates was educated at Marlborough College, a prestigious independent school in Wiltshire. After completing his A-levels at Farnham College in Surrey, he went on to study International History and Politics at the University of Leeds. He graduated in 1983, and it was during his time at university that he developed an interest in journalism and international relations.
Mates’ academic background, combined with his early exposure to politics through his father, provided a strong foundation for his career in journalism. His experiences during his formative years, both at school and university, would later inform much of his work as a foreign correspondent and political analyst.
James Mates Career in Journalism
James Mates began his professional journey in 1983 when he joined ITN (Independent Television News), the company that provides news programming for ITV. His first role was as an editorial trainee, and it didn’t take long for his talents to shine. Mates quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a general reporter for ITN in 1986. His reporting assignments included covering major stories in the UK and abroad, from natural disasters to political scandals.
International Reporting: Tokyo and Moscow
In 1989, Mates was appointed as ITN’s Tokyo correspondent, where he reported on a range of international stories, including economic developments in Japan and the political climate in Asia. His time in Tokyo was marked by significant global events, including Japan’s rise as an economic superpower in the late 1980s.
By 1991, Mates had moved to Moscow to serve as ITN’s Moscow correspondent. This was a pivotal time in world history, as the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse. Mates’ reporting from Moscow earned him recognition, and he covered key moments of this historic period, including the end of the Cold War and the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Mates’ coverage from Moscow earned him industry accolades, including the Prix du Press Club de France and a Silver Medal at the New York Film & Television Festival. His ability to report from such a significant geopolitical hotbed showcased his expertise in understanding and reporting on complex international issues.
Diplomatic Editor and Washington Correspondent
In the years that followed, Mates continued to rise through the ranks of ITN. From 1993 to 1996, he served as ITN’s Diplomatic Editor, where he covered some of the most volatile and sensitive issues of the time, including conflicts in Kosovo, Chechnya, and Rwanda. His experience reporting on these conflicts further solidified his reputation as one of the UK’s most capable and respected journalists.
In 1997, Mates moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as ITN’s Washington correspondent. During his time in Washington, Mates covered key political developments in the United States, including the aftermath of Bill Clinton’s impeachment and the lead-up to the 2000 U.S. presidential election. Mates’ insightful reporting and his ability to get to the heart of major political stories earned him widespread recognition.
Europe Editor: ITV News
In 2012, James Mates was appointed Europe Editor for ITV News, a position that saw him report on key European issues, including the Eurozone crisis, Brexit, and the rise of populism across Europe. His deep understanding of European politics, combined with his extensive experience as a foreign correspondent, made him the perfect fit for the role. Mates’ ability to provide in-depth analysis of European events helped ITV News maintain its reputation as a trusted source of political news.
As Europe Editor, Mates has been at the forefront of ITV’s coverage of major European elections, from the French presidential elections to the German federal elections. His ability to navigate complex European issues and explain them to British audiences has made him a key figure in UK journalism.
Key Contributions and Professional Impact
James Mates is best known for his role as Europe Editor at ITV News, where he has provided unparalleled coverage of European events. His extensive experience in political reporting and international affairs has made him one of the leading figures in British journalism. Over the years, Mates has covered some of the most significant political developments in Europe and around the world, including:
- Brexit: Mates was at the forefront of ITV’s coverage of the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. His analysis and reporting on the political, economic, and social ramifications of the UK’s decision to leave the EU have been invaluable to the public understanding of the situation.
- The Eurozone Crisis: Mates played a crucial role in reporting on the financial crisis that threatened the stability of the Eurozone. His insights into the economic policies of European nations and the challenges facing the EU were key to ITV’s coverage of this critical period.
- European Elections: Mates’ in-depth coverage of European parliamentary elections, particularly in France, Germany, and Italy, has been instrumental in informing the UK audience about the political landscape of Europe.
James Mates Personal Life: Family, Spouse, and Children
James Mates is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. However, it is known that he is married to Fiona Mates, and they have three children. Despite being a public figure, Mates has kept most aspects of his family life out of the media, preferring to focus on his work rather than his personal affairs. He and his family live in London, where Mates has worked for ITV News for most of his career.
Health and Public Perception
There have been no widely reported issues regarding James Mates’ health, and as of now, there are no major public health concerns. However, like many high-profile journalists, Mates has had to deal with the pressures of a demanding career that often involves extensive travel, long hours, and coverage of global crises. His ability to maintain a consistent level of professionalism throughout his career speaks to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
There have been occasional rumors about his health, but these remain unsubstantiated, and he continues to work actively in his role at ITV News.
James Mates Net Worth
James Mates has enjoyed a long and successful career at ITV News, and as such, his net worth is believed to be substantial. However, his exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, and estimates vary across different sources. Given his senior position at ITV News and his high-profile role as Europe Editor, it is widely believed that Mates’ salary is well above the average for journalists in the UK.
Based on his career in broadcasting, including his many years as a foreign correspondent and his current role as Europe Editor, Mates’ estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of £1 million to £3 million. However, it’s important to note that these figures are speculative, as Mates has never publicly disclosed his financial details.
Conclusion
James Mates is one of the most respected and experienced journalists in the UK today. From his early days as an editorial trainee at ITN to his current role as Europe Editor at ITV News, Mates has consistently demonstrated his ability to report on complex international issues with clarity, insight, and authority. His coverage of major European events, including Brexit, the Eurozone crisis, and European elections, has earned him widespread recognition and respect.
Mates’ career has been built on his professionalism, dedication, and intellectual rigor. Whether covering the fall of the Soviet Union or the rise of populism in Europe, Mates has always been at the forefront of journalism, providing valuable context and analysis for his audience.
As he continues to report on the evolving political landscape in Europe, James Mates remains a trusted voice in British journalism. His legacy in the field of news reporting is already established, and his influence will undoubtedly continue for many years to come.