Journalist honoured for community publications

A journalist who founded two independent local newspapers has received an honorary degree for his career championing community journalism.

Phil Creighton received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in a ceremony at the University of Reading.

His 30-year career has spanned journalism, publishing and broadcasting, including work for Reading Evening Post, The Baptist Times and BBC Radio Berkshire. He founded Wokingham Today in 2015 and Reading Today in 2021.

Prof Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said the honorary degree recognised his "outstanding contribution to journalism and his community".

Mr Creighton's career in journalism began while he was studying typography and graphic communication at the Berkshire university in the 1990s and was editor of student-run newspaper The Spark.

After graduating, he joined the Reading Evening Post full-time, initially as special publications editor and later as features editor.

In 2015, Mr Creighton founded independent hyperlocal newspaper Wokingham Today, followed by Reading Today in 2021.

He has also written a book, worked as a TV critic and radio pundit, and even written cartoon strips for The Beano's publisher.

He currently works in public relations and runs two blogs - Cheeselogs.co.uk, covering Reading's arts and leisure scene, and Aurahear.co.uk, focused on Auracast Bluetooth assistive listening technology.

Mr Creighton recently returned to his roots by mentoring students to help relaunch The Spark.

Prof Van de Noort, said: "A thriving democracy depends on strong local journalism and Phil Creighton has dedicated his career to providing exactly that for our community.

"His commitment to championing local voices, holding power to account and celebrating community achievements demonstrates the enduring importance of independent local news."

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