A Liverpool John Moores University journalism lecturer has been appointed as a Broadcast Journalism Training Council board trustee.
As part of her new role, Michelle Ponting will play a key part in overseeing course accreditation and helping to set journalism standards at universities around the country.
The BJTC accredits university courses across the UK – of which LJMU is one.
The organisation works in partnership with leading organisations, including the BBC, ITV, Sky News, ITN, Global, Bauer Media, Reuters and Associated Press, to make sure courses are equipped to teach students the skills required by modern newsrooms.
LJMU Head of Journalism, Fran Yeoman, said: “Michelle being appointed to the BJTC board is testament to her copious experience as an educator and as a radio journalist, who is still at the forefront of industry reading the news on national and local stations.
“It is also recognition of her commitment to creating work experience and job opportunities as our employability lead. Our students, and the BJTC, are lucky to have her.”
Chief Executive of the BJTC, Jon Godel, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Michelle to the BJTC Board. Her extensive experience and fresh perspective will be invaluable in shaping the future of journalism training.
“Michelle’s appointment significantly strengthens our commitment to working with the best educators and practitioners, ensuring the BJTC continues to set the highest standard for the next generation of journalists.”
Michelle still freelances for Bauer Radio as a multimedia journalist. John Pickford, Editor in Chief at Bauer Radio, said: “Congratulations to Michelle. The fact she stays totally in touch with the demands a modern-day multimedia newsroom by doing shifts for Bauer’s news outlets is a huge asset for both the BJTC and students.”