Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward  is a lecturer in Public Relations and Degree Programme Director for the MA in Media and Publc Relations at Newcastle University. He has worked continuously within the media industry since 1992. In 2006, Jonathan set up his own PR consultancy successfully competing against more experienced agencies to win contracts with organisations across the North East and within range of sectors including education, sport, manufacturing, engineering and enterprise.

Previously, Jonathan worked as a local government reporter, breaking international news stories including Peter Mandelson MP’s Ministerial resignations; the ghost ships scandal; and the election of Hartlepool’s monkey mayor!

Outside of work, Jonathan is passionate about live music and is a committee member for The Studio live music venue and recording facility in Hartlepool.

Isobel Parker

Hi, I’m Isobel, I’m currently studying my MA in Media and Public Relations at Newcastle University after graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in English. I am originally from Leeds, I am biased and think it’s the best city in the world. Leeds, like Newcastle, is full of culture, from music to food to fashion, there is always something going on! An interesting fact about me is that I used to host a radio show during my time at Nottingham, covering topics from celebrity scandal to student opinion polls.

When it comes to PR, my main interests are fashion and music, I love how innovative these industries can be, particularly in the past year we have seen how fashion shows can be done virtually or how festivals can be staged over Facebook. Something to watch in the fashion industry, is the issue of sustainability; with many consumers moving away from fast fashion and other brands investing a lot in their sustainability pledges. I’m also really interested in seeing how both fashion and music are able to adapt to more hybrid ways of staging public events post pandemic.

Sophie Smith

My name is Sophie Smith and I’m one of the bloggers here at PR@Newcastle. I am studying the MA in Media and PR at Newcastle University and have recently graduated from my undergrad in Maths with Management (big change I know).

I’m excited to be venturing into something new, which is why I have stepped out of my comfort zone by producing content for this blog! Hopefully both you and I can learn more about the world of PR and my posts can help gain some insight into important topics.

If you’d like to check out my social media take a look on Instagram @sophiersmith, Twitter @sophiersmith19 and LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/sophie-s-a9187812b