An international media strategist has been appointed as a mentor on a course aimed at turning working journalists into “digital leaders and innovators”.

The University of Central Lancashire has announced the appointment of Dr Dietmar Schantin to the course, which is targeted at industry professionals.

Regional editors and newsdesk chiefs are among those studying on the programme, launched in association with Google in October.

Dietmar, pictured, is the founder of FMS Media Consultancy, a specialised media consultancy based in UK and Austria.

He has worked with brands including the Wall Street Journal, the Telegraph Media Group, the Handelsblatt Media Group and The Hindustani Times.

Dr François Nel, reader in media innovation and entrepreneurship at UCLan and director of the programme, said: “There are very good reasons why many of the world’s most forward-thinking media brands, large and small, have leaned on Dietmar to guide them through difficult territory: he’s one of our industry’s sharpest thinkers, straightest talkers, and most successful implementers.

“We’re certainly delighted to have Dietmar on board to advise the course team and to coach our participants as they work on their Applied Learning Projects.”