Desk Diaries

23 November 2010

Desk Diaries is a new feature in Blas which introduces you to your colleagues around the University in a different way. This week, Chris Jones from the Communications and International Relations Division is revealing all...

Name: Chris Jones

Department / Division: Public Relations Officer, Communications and International Relations

Describe yourself in less than ten words: Eternal optimist - have to be, being a Middlesbrough supporter.

What’s on your desk and why?:

Mostly a selection of news stories and projects I’ve worked on.

It includes a copy of the IWA magazine Agenda and a frontpage image of Professor Julie Williams featuring her ground-breaking Alzheimer’s research; various editions of Cardiff News and Western Mail articles; a copy of the University’s Strategy document and – not to forget, the bible that is the Communications Directory.

However, pride of place is an example of tabloid journalism at its very best.

On sending out a media release of the discovery by Professor Tim Walsh of a new antibiotic resistant gene (NDM1) from India and possible importation into the UK - The Sun ran the story with the headline: THE GERMINATOR: ‘Invincible’ superbugs from India invade UK. 

It acts as a daily reminder of the pitfalls as a Press Officer dealing with the tabloid media - not to mention the fact that it brings a smile to my otherwise grumpy face.

Last, but not least, a picture of my beautiful wife Jayne on our wedding day (Jayne insisted I added this bit).         

If you’d like to feature in Desk Diaries send a picture of yourself and your desk explaining what’s on it and why to blas@cardiff.ac.uk