A journalism trainer has been appointed to a top international role.

University of the West of Scotland BA Journalism programme leader Margaret Hughes has been elected chair of the World Journalism Education Council.

The council represents universities worldwide that are involved in journalism and mass communication, seeking to “provide a space for educators to focus on issues that are universal in the field”.

She succeeds Professor Verica Rupar from Auckland University of Technology, in New Zealand.

Margaret, pictured, told Renfrewshire News: “It is a huge privilege to have been elected Chair of the WJEC and to take over from Verica Rupar is no small task.

“I am very much looking forward to working with journalism educators from across all of our member organisations to provide support and opportunity to share research and practice.

“Journalism across the world faces unprecedented challenges such as how to respond to the growing use of AI, climate change and misinformation – and the need for a strong, vibrant and supportive community for journalism educators is greater than ever, and my hope is that the World Journalism Education Council will provide that.”