JOURNALISM students at the University of Worcester are to benefit from the experience of the former editor of BBC Sport England.

Dan Johnson has joined the university’s journalism lecturing team, after spending some time working on an ad hoc basis. A graduate of the University of Worcester himself, Mr Johnson was a journalist and broadcaster with the BBC for 14 years and responsible for all online sport output for BBC English regions. He is also a football commentator for BBC Hereford and Worcester, covering Worcester City.

Mr Johnson said: "Having grown up in the county and graduated from the university in 1997, it has been a long-held ambition of mine to ‘put something back’, and lecturing here is a great opportunity to do just that. During my time as BBC Sport England editor, I have seen massive changes in sports journalism. Everyone has to be multi-skilled these days, and I am really keen to share my real experience at the sharp end with the enthusiastic and dedicated students. Working with the brilliant journalism lecturers, I feel confident that we can give Worcester students the edge against their competitors as they prepare to begin their careers in journalism.”

Alongside his sports journalism career, Mr Johnson presented and produced The Friday Session, which was one of the first shows for unsigned bands on BBC local radio, and is an FA-qualified football coach.

Claire Wolfe, the university's head of journalism, added: “Dan makes a great addition to our teaching team. He has demonstrated his enthusiasm and technological skills while working for us on one of his day's off and we are delighted that he has decided to change career direction.”