Top man at the BBC Sir Michael Lyons visits Edge Hill University

Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of the BBC Trust, visited Edge Hill University today to see for himself the partnership between the BBC and the University at work.

Sir Michael was given a tour of the campus and its facilities by Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill, Dr John Cater and Prof Roger Shannon.

Prof Shannon said: "As Professor of Film and Television at Edge Hill University, I was delighted to introduce the University to Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust. The Media Department students benefit from the very positive partnership which is in place between the BBC and the University, and Sir Michael's visit is a recognition that success."

Commenting on the partnership Sir Michael said: "Working with Edge Hill reflects the ethos of the BBC to deliver excellent quality, diverse content, and be able to respond to today's online demands.

"Today I have seen evidence here that Edge Hill is paving the way for the BBC in the North and the students here will play a key role in the vision for the future of the BBC."

Dr Cater said: "I was delighted to welcome the Chairman of the BBC on a private visit to the University today. 

"In addition to being interviewed by students and meeting several of the North West's leading writers and producers, Sir Michael discussed the BBC's move to the region, its partnership with Edge Hill University and, in particular, with the University's degree programme in Film and Television Production. 

"We look forward to strengthening these well-established links and developing additional partnership activity as the transfer of much of the Corporation's news, sport and children's programming continues apace."

When asked by Journalism students why he had decided to visit Edge Hill, he said that, in light of the ongoing partnership between the University and the BBC, he really wanted to see what the students were doing.

Sir Michael said: "It has proved to be a very interesting visit, with students working in a fast moving, dynamic environment which really reflects the atmosphere of a busy newsroom.

"From what I have seen today, Edge Hill students are given the opportunity to gain real academic knowledge coupled with practical experience; a combination that would make a student from Edge Hill University a real contender for any job in the media."

When a group of media students asked Sir Michael for advice on working for the BBC, he said: "The most important things to remember is that the media is an extremely competitive world, with many talented people competing for the same jobs.

"Commitment, the education and training opportunities offered by places like Edge Hill and professional, practical experience are all essential parts of ensuring that students are ready to go straight into jobs when leaving higher education.

"All of these factors combined mean that the individual can demonstrate the drive and passion needed to compete in a fast-paced media environment."

Sir Michael met students from the Media department for an informal chat in the state-of-the-art broadcast studios. The students did not shy away from asking questions about the recent events over the BBC's decision not to show the Gaza aid appeal.

Sir Michael said he admired their passion and drive and that the students would give John Humphrys a run for his money.

The partnership between the University and the BBC helps to identify new talent, focus on learning and development, build relationships within communities and develop clear pathways into the BBC and the wider industry.

The BBC is particularly pleased to be working with the University on a range of projects, including the launch of a BA (Hons) Television Production Management programme. The course enables students to study professional production techniques, such as camera work and editing, while studying television.

Margaret McClelland, Development Executive, BBC Project North says: "We are delighted to have signed a partnership agreement with Edge Hill University.

"The new centre in Salford will be a test-bed for how we want the whole of the BBC to work in the 21^st Century - a BBC that is not just owned by the whole of the United Kingdom but which is more open and accessible, working in partnership with local communities and educational institutions to showcase the talent and creativity of people everywhere."

The BBC Trust consists of the Chair Sir Michael Lyons, a Vice-Chair and ten members, or Trustees. Their backgrounds and experience is wide, ranging from broadcasting, regulation, competition, business, the public sector and engagement with the public, to programme-making and journalism. They are appointed by the Queen on advice from ministers following an open appointments process.