The former chief executive of national news agency the Press Association is to help teach the next generation of rookie reporters.

Paul Potts CBE, who retired from PA on his 60th birthday in January, will be sharing his expertise with budding newshounds at his hometown university in Sheffield, after being named its visiting professor of journalism.

Paul began his career as a trainee reporter at the city’s daily title The Star and went on to become deputy editor of the Daily Express.

He joined the PA Group board in 1995, becoming chief executive in 2000, and was awarded a CBE for services to journalism in December 2008.

Now he has signed up for a three-year tenure with the University of Sheffield which recently revealed it was expanding its portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses with the addition of three masters programmes from September.

Said Paul: “I am delighted by this honour and look forward to working with staff and students at a time when journalism is undergoing significant change and development.

“Sheffield is my home city and I have great pride in what has been achieved here by the department of journalism studies at the University of Sheffield.”

Head of department professor Jackie Harrison added: “Paul’s experience and knowledge of all aspects of modern journalism will enable the department to continue to anticipate the requisite array of professional skills necessary for students today.

“Paul will also bring fresh ideas and exciting research opportunities to the department.”

Comments

Thomas (12/03/2010 09:38:52)
It’s a pity his opera career didn’t take off after winning Britain’s Got Talent, but good luck to him in this new venture – certainly a contrasting career!!

Onlooker (12/03/2010 12:13:37)
I hear his Nessun Dorma is very good. Shame about the teeth, though.