RMS Titanic/Expert Profile

Expertise

My area of expertise is the RMS Titanic, specifically the media coverage of the disaster. This is an interesting subject area as the disaster occured on the cusp of major changes in the reporting of major disasters. Wireless and photography were in their infancy so although they did manage to play a part in the conveyance of information to both sides of the Atlantic there were many inaccuracies and the full true story did not emerge until 4-5 days after the sinking of the ship. This inevitably caused much confusion, false hope and anguish to relatives and officials. However, the unfolding of the disaster in the press is an interesting area and is an important part of the whole subject. I also have a good knowledge of the titanic in general, from its conception to the final hours

Experience in the area

I have worked as a public relations officer/editor for the past 20 years. I have also worked in newspapers and at the BBC as a Researcher for a current affairs programme. As part of a post graduate diploma course in the History of Press in Britain at Birkbeck College (University of London) I submitted an extended essay on this subject for which I received a distinction.

Organizations

Member of the Institute of Public Relations

Publications

Business and Local Government magazines and newspapers Local newspapers

Education/Credentials

BA History of Art in the Modern Period - De Montfort University, Leicester, UK - 1983 Diploma in the History of Press in Britain - Birkbeck College, University of London - 1998