Investigative reporting tips from award-winning producer

By Ricki Dewsbury

Award-winning independent producer Steve Boulton returned to UCLan giving tips on investigative reporting to third year journalism students.

The renowned filmmaker’s work includes Ryanair: Caught Napping which exposes negligence in the budget airline. In 2002 he was executive producer for the BAFTA winning documentary Young Nazi and Proud which examined neo-Nazism in Britain.

Ethical dilemmas

During an hour long lecture he challenged students with ethical dilemmas his team faced while making a documentary about a convicted paedophile.

After splitting the group into broadcasters and lawyers he discussed issues including approaching sources, use of undercover cameras, contempt of court and witness protection.

Third year broadcast student Jess Cadwallader said that involving students made the lecture more practical. “The way he was explaining all the different things we have to consider when making programmes was great. I found it very useful because I want to go into programme making as a career.”

Third year print and online student Steven Cookson said: “It was really interesting to get an insight into this type of journalism because I did not know there were so many issues involved, especially dealing with the police.”

This was the former World in Action editor’s second time as a guest lecturer on the Journalism Ethics and Regulation module. Last year he gave an insight into the problems his team faced making the Ryanair expose.

Module leader Delwyn Swingewood said: “It's great that an industry veteran like Steve is willing to share his experience with our students. He's kindly agreed to do another lecture for us next year.”

More info
BA(Hons)Journalism
MA International Documentary and Factual Television Production
The Dispatches Programme

Related news
Students given investigative know how from award winning journalist

Extra and related information

Our print and broadcast courses are accredited by the The Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Our MA Magazine Journalism is accredited by the Periodicals Training Council.