BBC Cymru Wales and Cardiff University: Why joining forces at Central Square is good news for journalism

The role of journalism in an open society has never been more hotly debated. The right of citizens to access impartial journalism that pursues the truth with real vigour and courage has never been more important. And for the BBC in Wales, what really matters is that we can attract and develop the finest storytellers with an appetite to dig out the unexpected and the hidden.

So I’m delighted that today we’re announcing the development of a major new partnership with Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies – with both institutions relocating alongside one another in Central Square in Cardiff city centre to create one of the most exciting and innovative journalism campuses anywhere in Europe.

As well as being next-door neighbours, we’ll be sharing valuable knowledge, experience and expertise as well as the latest facilities, research and resources. We’ll work together to promote and champion news values and ethics of course, but the new campus will also enable us to work together to develop innovative new journalism approaches – across social media, community-led and mobile devices and platforms.

It’s a timely development too. The way people consume news is more complex and diverse than ever before. According to Ofcom, 36% of people now get their news primarily from their mobile phones – a technology that required you to carry a backpack when I started my own journalism training with Cardiff University almost 25 years ago.

I really can’t imagine a better partner to have right alongside us at Central Square. We each share such a long-standing commitment to journalism and creativity, and the vital role both play at the heart of our national life. Joining forces in a very practical way will help us to strengthen our bond as we work together to train and develop the next generation of journalists and media professionals.

And we'll be building on a working relationship stretching back decades, thanks to a long-standing programme of professional training journalism internships. Just look at the Cardiff University alumni who’ve gone on to prominent roles as BBC journalists during their careers - Alan Johnston, Laura Trevelyan, Manish Bhasin and Ben Brown, as well as BBC Wales’ own Jason Mohammad and Behnaz Akhgar.

Of course, this partnership isn’t just important for the two partners. I believe it can help strengthen civic, public-spirited journalism across Wales. And that’s never mattered more.

And we'll be building on a working relationship stretching back decades, thanks to a long-standing programme of professional training journalism internships. Just look at the Cardiff University alumni who’ve gone on to prominent roles as BBC journalists during their careers - Alan Johnston, Laura Trevelyan, Manish Bhasin and Ben Brown, as well as BBC Wales’ own Jason Mohammad and Behnaz Akhgar.

Of course, this partnership isn’t just important for the two partners. I believe it can help strengthen civic, public-spirited journalism across Wales. And that’s never mattered more.