Dr Ross Hawkes
Ross is the founder and editor of an award-winning hyperlocal news website, Lichfield Live, and also leads the Community Interest Company producing The Lichfield and Burntwood Independent newspaper. His PhD explored the work of semi-professional journalists operating in the hyperlocal and independent space across the UK. He is a member of the Independent Community News Network and the Public Interest News Foundation and is a commentator on issues related to local journalism in the UK.
Prior to moving into academia, Ross worked as a sports writer, sub-editor, page designer, news reporter, online editor, newspaper editor and regional multimedia editor for one of the largest newspaper groups in the country.
He teaches in areas related to his research expertise, as well as in core journalism skills and explorations of the contemporary journalism landscape.