18 November 2009

Top journalist shares secrets of reporting success

A war reporter and award-winning author has crossed the Atlantic to visit the University of Sheffield during November after being awarded a Visiting Professorship in recognition of his journalistic talent.

Christopher Dickey, a high-profile journalist for Newsweek magazine, and author of six books, including two novels and a memoir, has had a varied media career, including experience as an online columnist and as a war reporter for the Washington Post. His appointment as the inaugural Newsweek Visiting Professor of Journalism will mean that staff, students and members of the local community will get to learn more about his exciting career and just how he became a war correspondent on one of America´s biggest papers.

During his visit to the University, Christopher held lectures to journalism postgraduate and undergraduate students to share his experiences and talk about the challenges faced by journalists reporting on war and terror.

Christopher currently works as Paris Bureau Chief and Middle East Regional Editor for Newsweek magazine, and writes a weekly Shadowland column about counter-terrorism, espionage and the Middle East for Newsweek online. Students and staff have been given the chance to take part in workshops with Christopher during his visit to hear more about the column, as well as his experiences reporting in the Middle East on terror.

Journalism students will also be able to speak to Christopher about their career choices and journalism in Europe and the US.

Christopher said: "I am honoured to have been asked to become Visiting Professor of Journalism at the University of Sheffield and I hope to help broaden the students' knowledge of global journalism and perhaps inspire the next generation of journalists to reach their goals."

Professor Paul White, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, said: "Chris Dickey's appointment as the first Newsweek Visiting Professor of Journalism comes about through the University's relationship with Kaplan International, owner of the Washington Post group.

"Chris's presence in our outstanding Department of Journalism Studies will give our students the opportunity to extend their understanding of international journalism at a time when global understanding is becoming a crucial element in all news gathering."