Richard joined the University of Salford in 2023 as Director of Journalism, Politics and Contemporary History.
Previously, he spent ten years at the University of Huddersfield, latterly as Subject Area Leader for Media, Journalism, Film and Drama. While working at Huddersfield, he completed a PhD part-time through Cardiff University. He also previously taught at the University of Leeds.
His central research interests are the working practices of journalists and, in turn, how public institutions are scrutinised during a time of dramatic change in the media industries. Richard's first monograph, Reporting The Courts, was published by Routledge in 2024. He launched the book at the Journalism and the Courts symposium, which he organised at Salford's MediaCity campus in 2025.
His second monograph, Sports Journalism in the UK, will be published by Routledge in 2026.
Before becoming an academic, Richard was a journalist for Sky News, the BBC and a range of radio stations. He also established the award-winning Saddleworth News hyperlocal website.
Research Interests
Journalism, local journalism, local newspapers, court reporting, media law, local democracy, sports journalism, media work, journalism history.
Teaching and Learning
Richard has designed and taught a wide range of modules on topics including the use of social media and online tools for journalism, radio and audio production, media law and ethics, political reporting, investigative journalism and entrepreneurship in journalism.
PhD Supervision Availability
Yes
PhD Topics
Richard is interested in supervising PhD candidates in areas such as, but not limited to: journalism, newspapers, media work, court reporting, media law, local journalism and hyperlocal media.
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
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