Abstract
The BBC reporter and news presenter George Alagiah received the Charles Wheeler award for outstanding contribution to broadcast journalism at the University of Westminster on 14 June. Organised in collaboration with the university, the British Journalism Review award is made each year in honour of the late Sir Charles Wheeler, one of Britain's greatest broadcast journalists.
Following the presentation of the award by Lady Wheeler, Sir Charles's widow, the distinguished playwright and former journalist Sir Tom Stoppard delivered the annual Charles Wheeler lecture, which was followed by a Q&A session led by Steve Barnett, professor of communications. Sir Tom's address covered definitions of the public interest and the responsibility of the media to find the right balance between privacy and free speech in a democracy.
Receiving his award, Alagiah said: “I know that I stand here in front of you today as a man who benefits enormously from everything the richer world can give us, but I try each day not to forget I began my particular journey in the poor world, and that transition is one that billions of people have yet to make. And we, all of us in this rich country, have a role to play helping to make that journey somewhat easier.”
The evening continued at a reception at which former London mayor (the now foreign secretary) Boris Johnson – a son-in-law to the Wheelers –joined members of the Wheeler family, Sir Tom and Lady Stoppard and guests from journalism and academia.
Good evening: Steve Barnett, George Alagiah and Sir Tom Stoppard
