AddThis SmartLayers

Geere to head journalism training school

A much-travelled former weekly editor has a new role as head of a journalism training school.

Alan Geere, a former editor of the Essex Chronicle and editorial director of Northcliffe South East, is to become head of the news journalism programme group at Southampton Solent University.

It is Alan’s first permanent role since he returned from Uganda after a bid to set up a journalism school in the East African state foundered amid a political row over ‘anti gay’ legislation.

Alan, pictured, was also acting editor of the Nottingham Post for a brief period following Mel Cook’s death earlier this year.

Said Alan:  “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring my experience and expertise to Southampton Solent.

“There has never been a more exciting time to start in journalism and I hope I can help the committed and talented staff here, encourage a new generation to gain the skills and confidence to follow this exciting career.”

Professor Rod Pilling, dean of the faculty of creative industries said:  “The faculty is delighted to welcome Alan Geere as part of the team.”

In his new role, Alan will oversee courses in journalism, sports journalism, multi-media journalism and photojournalism, and will be involved in tutoring around 500 students.

Alan’s 40-year career has seen him work in the UK, Canada, United States and the Caribbean and his role as an editorial consultant has taken him into 200 newsrooms worldwide.

Previous journalism training roles have included those of undergraduate journalism course leader at first Westminster and then Worcester, and senior lecturer on the MA International Journalism programme at City University.

Until he moved to Africa Alan was a member of the board of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Professor Suzanne Dixon, head of the school of communications and writing, said: “Alan has an impressive background in news journalism around the world and his energy and enthusiasm for the subject will be welcomed by staff and students alike.”