Honorary degrees for Murray and Thompson

BBC Director General Mark Thompson and Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray are being given honorary doctorates by the University of Salford today.

The awards are being given for their contributions to the media industry and form part of the college’s official opening at MediaCityUK by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen and Prince Phillip are visiting Salford today to officially open the media complex. Her Majesty will tour the BBC’s Quay House building – home to 5 live and Radio Manchester – while her husband performs the official opening of the University campus.

Dame Jenni Murray has been presenting Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour since 1987. BBC Director General Mark Thompson was a key player in the decision to move major parts of the corporation from London to Salford, and recently announced that he will be leaving the BBC later this year.

Commenting on the award of the degrees, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin Hall said: “Today’s events mark a significant milestone for the University. With our first Chancellor, Prince Philip opening the MediaCityUK campus, and the award of honorary degrees to two of the most influential people in the media industry, we are rightly celebrating both our heritage as a university and looking forward to an exciting future in the creative and digital sectors.”