Tasked to make images for press and web usage, all of the students got an initial taste of working to commission whilst acquainting themselves with the new Nikon equipment overseen by Course Director Paul Smith and Senior Lecturer Jonathan Worth.

The characteristic portraits of Coventry’s Senior Lecturer Jonathan Worth offer intimate behind the scenes glimpses of subjects as wide ranging as the Dalai Lama to the much lamented Heath Ledger; from Brett Easton Ellis to the ascendent Casey Affleck.

Sean Moriarty, one of the first graduates of Coventry University’s automotive journalism MA course, has been appointed editor of a new Irish supplement of Motorsport News, the leading weekly motorsport newspaper.

The first instalment of the monthly supplement will appear in the June 25 issue and has eight pages of extra Irish coverage in a special insert.

Kerryman Moriarty said: “Motorsport News always enjoyed a loyal following in Ireland and this is a way of repaying that loyalty. The new monthly insert is designed to complement our existing coverage of Irish motorsport. We will continue weekly reports and news from Irish events, but the extra pages will allow us to feature more people, more events, more clubs – and even more motorsport excitement.”

Automotive journalism student Tom Coulthard already has a motoring book to his name – Spritely Years, written in conjunction with former racing driver John Sprinzel. It was published in 1994 and has since sold out, fetching high prices on the secondhand market in recent years.

Earlier this year a limited edition reprint was reissued, and they were eagerly snapped up by enthusiasts at the ‘Spridget 50’ event at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon on May 24. The event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Austin Healey Sprite, was attended by around 1000 examples of the Sprite and its close cousin, the MG Midget - including one owned by Coventry automotive journalism lecturer Andrew Noakes.

Tom was on hand at Gaydon (above) to sign copies of Spritely Years for visitors to the event, though sadly his own Sprite didn’t make it to Spridget 50 as it was still being rebuilt. “It needs two weeks’ solid work to finish it,” he sighed. Ready in time for Spridget 60, then, Tom?

Oxford based writer and broadcaster and Coventry University lecturer Marcos Young is celebrating having been nominated for a 2008 Sony Radio Academy Award for the second year running. His programme ‘Global Echoes’ will be competing for the specialist music programme award on Monday 12th May at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Marcos, who presents ‘Global Echoes’ for BBC Radio Oxford, sees this as a great recognition for world music. He has previously been recognised with a ‘Gillard’ Gold radio award.
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A new course at Coventry University is hoping to attract students of all ages for a BA (Hons) degree in Photography.
Course Director Paul Smith is a former student of the university and a renowned artist in his own right having exhibited all over the world with an extensive portfolio. His work in multiple self-portraits has been used commercially as he created the cover for the Robbie William’s album “Sing when you’re winning”.
During his time at Coventry University, Paul was one of the last students to come through the Fine Art course in 1995 and specialised in photography, so it is fitting that he has come back to Coventry to re-launch the new degree.
Paul wants to encourage anyone with an interest in photography to consider joining the course as it could open up a whole new career. (more…)