Jon Snow visits Cardiff journalism students

Channel 4's famous news anchor Jon Snow visited Cardiff University last week to share his insights on the future of journalism.

His guest lecture to Broadcast, Magazine and Newspaper Journalism postgraduate students at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, inspired them with stories from his long-running career

Ranging from his work during the civil war in El Salvador at the height of the Cold War to interviewing former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Madrid, he gave a fascinating insight into the inner-workings of being a journalist.

Jon talked about his early career as a foreign correspondent when it was possible to report news up to four days after it had happened and it still be relevant, to today's use of social media where the general public can sift through the mass of information available on the internet.

Jack Averty, Newspaper Journalism student, said: "Students and staff were quick to pick his brain during the question and answer section in which he made it clear that there will always be a place in journalism for television news, even if social media and breaking news is becoming more and more prominent."

Broadcast Journalism student, Ed Ludlow, said: "Jon's visit gave each and every one of us a refreshed and rebooted optimism and excitement towards our journalistic careers.

"He gave passionate, sharp, reassuring and honest views on where he felt the future of broadcasting lay and imparted invaluable and digestible advice.

"His visit will act as a catalyst and we will now all approach our own careers with that same hunger and drive to reveal the truth, which he so clearly holds. What a way to start the year. Jon Snow, King of the News."

After the talk, Jon was happy to pose with students who wanted 'selfies' with him. These can be viewed here and below are a selection of 'tweets' and pictures from staff and students.