Paul Foster

Paul Foster is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies within the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries at the University of Portsmouth. He teaches key journalism subjects such as law for journalists, reporting, newsroom production, and magazine journalism. He also holds an external position as Lecturer in Journalism at Highbury College (2016–2019) and has extensive professional experience in regional journalism and public relations.

Research Interests: Paul's expertise lies in journalism education, public affairs, media law, investigative reporting, and public interest journalism. His work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and transparent institutions. He emphasizes practical training, apprenticeships, and ethical reporting in modern news environments.

Publication Trends: His recent publications and contributions focus on journalism pedagogy, student-led investigations, media accountability, and policy reform. These works often bridge academic insight with real-world media impact, particularly in training future journalists and influencing industry standards.

Scientific Awards:

• Inspiring journalism educators recognised by Public Interest News List from Behind Local News (7 Jul 2020)
• Public Interest News Journalists: The teachers inspiring the next generation (Oct 2020)
• Public Interest News List - inspirational journalism trainers (7 Oct 2020)

Advising and Grants: Paul Foster has mentored students whose investigative work has gained national media attention. He led the NCTJ Journalism Outreach Project, aimed at diversifying the journalism workforce. His activities include consultancy, editorial roles (e.g., guest editor for the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies), and participation in national forums on media and justice.

Labs and Teams: He is actively involved in professional networks such as the Courts and Tribunals Observers' Network and the Transparency and Open Justice Stakeholder Committee Forum, contributing to media access and judicial transparency. He frequently presents at academic and industry conferences, including the CCI & FHSS Research and Innovation Conference and the Journalism and the Courts Symposium 2025.