The Buzz Newsletter 18th March 2009 Coventry University

11 March 2009

Photo from REx Features, Dailymail.co.uk

Cook on campus

R

oger Cook, the ‘godfather’ of investigative journalism, shared his experiences and views on today’s television at a Coventry Conversation on Thursday. Some students, especially those studying journalism, came half an hour early, to see a video with clips of his famous TV programme, ‘the Cook Report’. By the time the Conversation started the room was full and everybody was anxious to listen to Mr Cook. Although he had to sit down during the event, due to his ‘artificial knees’, he engaged the entire audience in his talk. When asked by John Mair how he recognized a story, Roger Cook confessed it was the ‘sniff’ and the freshness of the event which led him to investigation. He was proud to say that the use of scripts was minimal and that his stories revealed themselves through the eyes and words of the people involved. Called an ‘elderly expensive dinosaur’ by an ITV commissioner, Roger Cook believes ‘ITV does the wrong thing by taking money out of programmes’. He asked rhetorically: ‘How

many people could you employ if you didn’t employ Simon Cowell?’ Although his programme was expensive, he argued that each programme was actually ‘cheap compared to today’s entertainment or drama.’ On his relationship with the police Mr Cook said he had had ‘a good working experience with some but bad with others’. In some cases, arrests were made less than a minute after his programme. Although he admits that ‘All my programmes were biased!’ Roger Cook was never successfully sued. Moreover, he claims ‘it is not illegal to set up a scenario that they [criminals] willingly come in’. But he emphasized that his stories were always backed up by documentation, more than one witness and usually triple checked. He characterizes himself as a perfectionist: ‘I like to do everything as good as I can’.

“Any good journalist is first an investigator.”

Although he faced many physical attacks, Mr Cook claims he never had to pay people to talk to him though he paid for their travel expenses or other similar needs, ‘but nothing that made them a profit’. His advice to young journalists: was ‘to be persistent! Don’t give up! Follow your stories and your ideas!’. ‘If it’s been in the newspapers, don’t do it! Any good journalist is first an investigator.’ By Teo Beleaga

Photos; Coventrytelegraph.net, moneysavingexpert.com, mercia.co.uk

Three’s company… „„ This week sees not one but three great guests appearing at Coventry Conversations and whether you’re an aspiring journalist or just need to pinch those pennies at the moment, there’s a Conversation to appeal. David Brookes, Editor of the Coventry Telegraph. He has over 30 years in journalism as a trainee reporter, reporter, sub-editor, page designer, chief sub-editor, assistant editor and editor. He began his career on the Chelmsley Wood and Castle Bromwich News, a local weekly paper. Worked at the Birmingham Evening Mail as a sub-editor and an assistant editor. He spent 8 years as editor of the Sunday Mercury and has been Editor of the Coventry Telegraph since January 1st, 2009.

Wednesday 11th March, 12pm, ETG34

Tom Reeves Mercia FM, Breakfast Producer The ‘Commander’ and Breakfast Producer at Mercia FM. Formerly of Dragon FM in South Wales, this experienced young producer likes a challenge - whether it’s local radio or

a sporting event like the Cardiff Half Marathon, The Cuba Cycla Challenge, Red Dragon’s Feetbeat, the New York Marathon or the St David’s Day 5K Fun Run.

Thursday 12th March, 12pm, ETG34

^ Co

ming to Cov

Martin Lewis Moneysaving Expert We all need to pinch our pennies at the moment and this is the guy to help you do just that. Martin Lewis is an award-winning TV and radio presenter, national newspaper columnist and bestselling author. A specialised journalist, he focuses on how to cut bills without cutting back and has created, runs and owns the UK’s biggest money site. He’s also launched hugely successful financial justice campaigns to reclaim council tax, mortgage fees and PPI.

Friday 13th March, 12pm, ETG34

John Mair Inventor and organiser of the Conversations says ’What a treat! Three big beasts in one week. I am privileged that David has chosen the Conversations to chew the fat on the future of the Tele and delighted to have pinned down Martin who is jusitifiably and massively popular.None are to be missed.They show that everyone now comes to a Coventry Conversation. Come along to one or all’

Own goal? Is ‘importing’ young African Footballers to Europe the new slave trade? Players and agents come to Coventry for a different type of conversation. There are many experienced professionals who will dispute the claim that hiring and training promising young players for a life in one of the most fantasized about industries is slavery. Coming to Coventry this Thursday are a whole host of speakers including Chris Nathaniel, agent to Rio Ferdinand, promoter Oneyachi Wambo and Gugu Ntuli Stellenbosch on Progress in South Africa ready for the 2010 World Cup. Part of the University’s Africa Day running on the 12th March.

The day is designed to help to bring together staff and students; whether from Africa; interested in Africa; or keen to learn more about Africa. There are many other events on during the day with an “African Nations” Football Cup at 9am and a themed party at the SU Fifty-Four from 5pm.

Thurday, 12th March, 2-5pm at the Humber Theatre

The student and staff newsletter of the Media and Communications department of Coventry School of Art and Design Edited by Danielle Cox Submissions invited to [email protected] with thanks to John Mair and Teo Beleaga