Panel of experts to advise Sheffield University in ever changing media landscape

INFLUENTIAL figures from across the media have joined a new advisory board at a Yorkshire university to support the work of its top ranked journalism department.
The Yorkshire Post's editor James Mitchinson is among the founding members of the new journalism advisory board at Sheffield University. Photo: Simon Hulme.The Yorkshire Post's editor James Mitchinson is among the founding members of the new journalism advisory board at Sheffield University. Photo: Simon Hulme.
The Yorkshire Post's editor James Mitchinson is among the founding members of the new journalism advisory board at Sheffield University. Photo: Simon Hulme.

Sheffield University says the board will help it to retain its status as the country’s leading centre for the study of journalism.

Founding members include The Yorkshire Post’s editor James Mitchinson, BBC presenter Dan Walker and Margaret Elmsley, head of news at ITV Yorkshire.

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It will advise the university on teaching, research and its overall objectives in a fast changing industry. Sheffield University’s department for Journalism Studies is rated number one in the UK by the Complete University Guide.

The department’s joint head Prof Marie Kinsey said: “The creation of an Advisory Board has been a long-standing ambition in the department and we’re delighted that such an illustrious group of people have agreed to join.

“The board will help us stay plugged into all aspects of journalism at a time when the industry is changing at breakneck speed.”

Jonathan Grun, the department’s professional chair in journalism and a former editor of the Press Association, will chair the board, which he says will act as a “critical friend” of the department.

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He added: “Sheffield is very highly regarded by students and the media industry – it is the only journalism department in the top five of every league table.

“The media landscape is shifting and we want to ensure that the department continues to lead the way. Our Advisory Board will be providing vital guidance on what is happening now and will be helping us prepare for what may happen next.”

Founding members of the Advisory Board

Dorothy Byrne, head of Channel 4 news and current affairs.

Professor Peter Cole, emeritus professor, Journalism Studies, University of Sheffield.

Chris Elliott, readers’ editor, The Guardian.

Margaret Elmsley, head of news, ITV Yorkshire.

Lara Fielden, research associate, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

Tom Gibbons, professor of law, University of Manchester.

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Alison Gow, digital innovation editor, Trinity Mirror Regionals.

Neal Mann, editor, WSJ.

Clive Marshall, chief executive, PA Group.

James Mitchinson, editor, The Yorkshire Post.

Ben Preston, editorial director, Radio Times.

Dan Walker, BBC presenter.

Oliver Wright, political editor, The Independent.