Avatar photo

Shane Croucher

shane

Shane reports on politics and local authorities in Lincolnshire. He studied investigative journalism at the University of Lincoln and also edited the student newspaper.


A journalism professor at the University of Lincoln has received the highest recognition possible for Higher Education teachers.

Professor Richard Keeble, Acting Head of the School of Journalism, has won a National Teaching Fellowship. He’s the first academic at the university to get this award.

He will be honoured with the top award by the Higher Education Academy at a ceremony at Middle Temple Hall, London, on October 5.

Prof Keeble played a central role in the development of journalism teaching in Higher Education, writing and editing 20 books.

These include books on communication ethics, the coverage of the Afghanistan War, the reporting of the Arab Spring and the links between Fleet Street journalists and the intelligence services.

His Newspapers Handbook, now in its fourth edition, is regarded as the seminal textbook on reporting skills.

He is also a leading authority on journalism ethics and has been in demand across the globe for commentary on the recent phone hacking scandal.

Prof Keeble will be awarded a prize of £10,000 for professional development.

He said: “I’ve been lucky here during my time in Lincoln. Since my arrival, I have been supported by my colleagues and the students have been very appreciative.

“I have a passion for newspapers and I try to convey that passion to my students. I will continue to write and work, I have a book that I am hoping to get published this year.

“In regards to the prize money, I have yet to decide what to use it for. My son is currently researching at a university in Perth, Australia, so I may use some of it to visit journalism colleagues over there.

“In light of this award, I have always had strong ethical and political side to my teaching and I have never been afraid to speak out – sometimes on controversial issues.

“My advice to colleagues is to believe in their students and learn from them.”

Dorothy Byrne, head of Channel Four News and Current Affairs, said: “Richard is a major figure in the debate about journalism in the UK. His innovative thinking and academic excellence forms the foundation of his inspirational teaching.”

Professor John Tulloch, Head of the LSJ, commented: “This award is richly deserved. Richard is a hugely experienced and inspirational teacher of journalism.

“In particular, he has pioneered the teaching of media ethics and human rights in the journalism curriculum — two subjects that the industry badly needs to address, as the current scandal over phone hacking shows.

“Richard’s work helps to build a better journalism. The LSJ is proud of him.”

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, added: “I am delighted that Richard has been recognised as a National Teaching Fellow.

“It demonstrates his considerable contribution to teaching excellence in journalism, not only at Lincoln but his wider engagement and influence.”

Source: University of Lincoln

New figures from City of Lincoln Council show that it raised £103,295 in parking fines in 2010.

Its most profitable month was December, when it claimed £11,841 in fines. Its least was October at £5,449.

Data was released following a freedom of information request to the council on July 12.

The fines are from the City Council’s off-street parking facilities, such as its Lucy Tower car park.

There are 20 car parks run by the city authority across Lincoln, providing 2,946 pay and display parking spots.

See the full data below, and hover over each month for values:

Source: What Do They Know? | Photo: Google Street View

+ More stories