The US Correspondent has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University
Sky News US Correspondent James Matthews has stressed the importance of good journalism as he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University.
The renowned TV reporter, who has covered some of the world’s biggest stories in a career spanning nearly 40 years, returned home to Edinburgh today for a formal presentation at the Usher Hall.
The 60-year-old began his career in journalism at Metro Radio in Newcastle, later moving on to Independent Radio News and STV, where he became chief reporter.
He joined Sky News as Scotland Correspondent in 1995, covering major stories such as the opening of the Scottish Parliament, the 2014 independence referendum and Scotland’s 1998 World Cup campaign.
James was part of the BAFTA-winning Sky News team that reported from the Glasgow Airport terrorist attack in 2007, while his exclusive interviews with Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi made headlines internationally ahead of the Lockerbie bombing trial.
James is now widely recognised for his coverage of Donald Trump’s presidency from Washington DC, where he is among the accredited media granted access to the Oval Office.
Today he was awarded the title of Doctor of the University during a graduation ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries – including its latest group of graduating journalists.
Responding to his graduation, James Matthews said: “I am honoured to receive this degree and to be associated with Edinburgh Napier University.
“The University has a strong international reputation and journalism is at the heart of it. It continues to produce some of the industry’s finest practitioners, working in Scotland and beyond.
“I have seen many changes in my forty years as a journalist and, as US correspondent for Sky News, I see unprecedented challenges.
“In a time when good journalism has never been more important, neither has the quality of journalism taught at Edinburgh Napier.”
Presenting the honour, Edinburgh Napier University Lecturer David Tanner said: “James is the perfect role model for the journalism students who are graduating today.
“He is a master practitioner in the art of broadcast news: an expert storyteller, a skilled scriptwriter, a dogged investigator, a courageous, tough interviewer.
“He harnesses these talents to bravely hold to account those in power.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the city’s Usher Hall from 9-11 July.