This year's joint RTS Devon and Cornwall Centre/University College Falmouth/Alex Thompson lecture was given by RTS Fellow and Hall of Fame recipient, Angela Rippon.

Angela has a foot in both the broadcasting and broadcast news industries. She started her career as a journalist and is credited with being the first full time female news presenter on BBC Television News. Since then she has gone on to present a wide range of popular entertainment and factual programmes.

Angela's topic was consumer journalism and from “Esther Ransom” to “Watch Dog”, she analysed how the media has fought battles against industry and commerce on behalf of the public. She discussed how the media protected the lives and futures of babies born with congenital defects caused by the drug thalidomide during the 1960's.

As visiting Professor of Journalism at Lincoln University, she is acutely aware of how the news industry continues to change, adapting to new technologies, budgetary constraints and new media.

Over eighty students, staff and members of the public were enthralled by Angela's professionalism and enthusiasm.

Notes to Editors

Alex Thompson is chief Correspondent at Channel Four News and a fellow of University College Falmouth. He gave his name to this annual lecture to promote interchange between media students across Cornwall and leading professionals in the broadcasting and broadcast news industries.

Denis Gartside - Treasurer, Devon and Cornwall Centre