2006
Mr Chris Hughes
HonDLitt in recognition of his lifelong contribution to radio and journalism; his commitment to community development and his support for journalism education at NTU.
Business Development Director for GCap Media plc, the UK’s leading commercial radio group, Chris started his career as a BBC producer and presenter. This included work in the City and House of Commons on The Week in Westminster and The Financial World Tonight.
In 1980 he became Programme Controller at Radio Trent, then Managing Director nine years later. Under his jurisdiction, Radio Trent was in the vanguard of commercial radio’s rapid development, helping make the East Midlands operation the most successful within GWR, then the country's largest pure radio group.
Chris became Business Development Director at GWR in 2002. When GWR merged with the Capital Radio Group last year, he continued in a similar strategic development role.
Chris has contributed enormously to NTU's Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism, helping pioneer the mould-breaking BA (Hons) in Broadcast Journalism. He supports the centre via curriculum development, student awards, placement opportunities and business advice.
He also works extensively with East Midlands organisations to promote the region, foster business growth and deliver access to training.