A regional daily editor is to advise a university on how it teaches journalism as part of a new panel.

The University of Sheffield has appointed  Yorkshire Post boss James Mitchinson, left, to sit on its advisory board, along with others including Alison Gow, digital innovation editor for Trinity Mirror Regionals.

The panel will advise the university on teaching, research and its overall objectives for its journalism department.

The 14-strong panel will be chaired by Jonathan Grun, the former editor-in-chief of the Press Association who is now the department’s professional chair in journalism.

Said Jonathan: “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.”

Professor Marie Kinsey, the department’s joint head, added: “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.”

Others to sit on the board include BBC TV presenter Dan Walker, Dorothy Byrne, head of Channel 4 news and current affairs, and Oliver Wright, political editor at The Independent.