A print journalist by training, I spent more than 20 years working in provincial newspapers in and around Greater Manchester before going freelance and moving into teaching.
I am currently undertaking a PhD which looks into how immigrant and refugee commuties in the UK use communtyand citizen journalism to present a different version of themselves than that offered by the mainstream media. The PhD arose out of my work with the Somali community in Moss Side, Manchester helping them produce a bilingual newspaper.
To help train the next generation of journalists to be ethical, imaginative, tenacious, resourceful members of the 4th estate - and have fun along the way
Always trust your instincts regarding a story. Never be afraid to push the boundaries as long as you act ethically as a journalist.
All my teaching is underpinned by my own experience as a journalist and my aim is to bring each subject alive and motivate students through use of examples from real life
8 graduated from Manchester Polytechnic in 1988 with a first class honours degree in social science.
I undertook a Diploma in Newspaper Journalism (NCTJ) at Lancashire Polytechnic in 1988 before moving into a career as a journalist. I gained my NCE (National Certificate Examination) in journalism in 1991.
I am a fellow of the HEA and specialise in teaching media law.
I am currently undertaking a PhD by Practice looking at how immigrant communities, such as the Somali community, face challenges in accessing the media
I worked previously as an associate lecturer in journalism at MMU and have experience teaching at other higher education institutions. Prior to joining MMU I taught media law at News Associates in Manchester as part of the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.
I have also worked for many years as a tutor for an online journalism college accredited to the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists).
I have extensive experiences as a freelance journalist, principally as a writer and sub-editor for HOPE not hate, working on its bi-monthly magazine and producing copy for its series of national newspapers.
I spent more than 20 years in regional newspapers, principally with the MEN Media group in Manchester, starting off as a reporter and working my way up to editor of two weekly titles.
During my time with MEN Media, the papers I edited won several awards, including Best Front Page, Best Use of a Community Website, and twice runner-up in BNFL Weekly Paper of the Year
I am joint programme leader for the BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism programme at Man Met, as well as being the employabilty lead for the programme.
Journalism is an exciting career and these are exciting times for those wanting to pursue a reporting role in multimedia journalism. The MPs' expenses scandal, hackgate, the Leveson inquiry, the demise of the PCC, the rise (and rise) of social media and citizen journalism have all shaped our role as repoters in a way which would not have seemed possible just five years ago.
To be at the centre of this maelstorm of chance and contribute to it is an exciting prospect
Media Law and Regulation
Law and Ethics for Multimedia Journalists
Media Law
Journalism Professional Practice
Dissertation supervision
Supervision of MA Multimedia Journalism student dissertations
I mark and moderate media law exams for the NCTJ
In the summer of 2019, I co-authored a book on online law called Online and Social Media Law.
I have also had articles published in The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/profiles/dave-porter-385949
D. Porter, C. Thom (2019). Online and Social Media Law. Amazon.
I have been engaged in a knowledge exchange project with the Somali community in Manchester for the past five years.
The project involves the creation of a bilingual newspaper called Sasca News together with members of the Somali Adult Social Care Agency (SASCA).
The paper is produced on average twice-a-year and is distributed by hand to members of the Somali community in the neighbourhood, with 1,000 copies being printed in each edition.
The paper is written by members of Sasca, which has editorial control over content, and editorial support in designing and printing the paper is provided by myself.
I was instrumental in helping Sasca News be included in an exhibition at Manchester People's History Museum in 2018 on 100 years of working class struggle.
I have links with the NCTJ, having previously designed and run an NCTJ-accredited masters course.
I have been an NCTJ marker for many years and Man Met is at present the UK''s northern exam centre for the organisation.
Along with colleagues, I have strong links with industry professionals and regularly invite journalists and editors into university to speak to students.
Sasca News - the bilingual newspaper established for the Somali community in Manchester and which I helped to set up - was nominated for an MMU Research and Knowledge Exchange award in 2015.
I was presented with a 'Sasca Hero' award by members of the Somali community for help in setting up Sasca News.
During my time as an editor within MEN Media papers I worked on received numerous awards, including Best Free local Newspaper.
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)