Students are being invited to discover the range of careers in the media at a leading University.

Paul Broster Director of Journalism, Politics and Contemporary History / School of Arts and Media at the University of Salford, said in many ways the media was 'not representative of the society it serves'.

Prof Broster was speaking at an Asian Media Awards event at the Stage Door Bar held at the Palace Theatre Manchester which also heard from past winners and finalists.

Students were also presented with certificates in recognition for their efforts in supporting and working with AMA staff at last year's ceremony.

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He said, “A lack of diversity in the media workforce – and what is produces – is a long-standing problem we passionately want to help resolve.

“How can the media fully represent and reflect on society when the media itself is not representative of the society it serves?

“Clearly, we need to go beyond sponsorship, money and words.

“The plan starts with schools and colleges. We have to make children understand the media – for good and bad – how people work in and how they can work in it in the future.

“We’ve hosted pupils from schools and colleges across the region with the AMA at our campus at MediaCityUK, next to the BBC and ITV.

“We’ve also gone into the community to do the same. Places like Marsden Heights Community College in Nelson.

“We have discussions with the children and range of inspiring people from the Asian community connected to the industry to ask the key questions. How do you break in? What if your parents think it’s not a proper job? Is there discrimination and how do you overcome it? Breaking down barriers and taboos.”

He added, “Yes, we bring in experienced professionals but also our recent graduates in their 20s who are now in work already making their mark and changing the game – for example, Amber Haque.

“She’s now works for the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme in London, helping to breaking exclusive stories.

“If you inspire at this age, then you can go to the next stage – open your doors as wide as possible as a University. I’m glad to say that Salford has always done that and is continuing to do so but in recent years we have gone to the next level.

“Our campus at MediaCityUK and our recently-built New Adelphi arts building are simply world class – and we have staff to match.

“Our history has also always been rooted in working with industry and now we are working with too many major partners to names – including the BBC, ITV , Trinity Mirror (publishers of the Manchester Evening News) and Manchester United FC.

“We give students experience in the workplace as well as the classroom to make sure they are great graduates ready for jobs.”

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