Parkinson 'concerned' about the future of media

Chat show star Sir Michael Parkinson said today he was "concerned" about the future of the media as he was made chancellor of a university.

The 73-year-old said he was particularly interested in taking on the role at Nottingham Trent University as it is widely recognised for its broadcast and print journalism courses.

But Sir Michael, who did not go to university, said that he was worried about the future of the British media.

He said: "I am interested and concerned about the future of the media. This is the future of the media. The young people here are the ones who will give it its shape and its style.

"When you look at the debates going on nowadays about standards, and it's an on-going debate I know, I have very strong feelings about it.

"I do think that every so often we should sit down, when there's an occasion offered, and think about what we are promoting, what we are showing on television, what we are printing in newspapers.

"Are we proud of it, is that what we came in to journalism to do or have we gone along with what is trendy?

"I don't think the debate about (Russell) Brand and (Jonathan) Ross is catastrophic but it gives us an opportunity to look at where we are going."

One of Sir Michael's first tasks today was to award an honorary degree to former England cricket captain, and fellow Yorkshireman, Michael Vaughan at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall.

The broadcaster Mariella Frostrup also received an honorary degree as did Bill Kenwright, the chairman of Everton football club.

Dame Judi Dench and television presenter Jeremy Clarkson were also recognised but were unable to attend the ceremony.

Sir Michael said he was "honoured" to become the first ever chancellor of Nottingham Trent. He accepted the post in June and today formally took on the role.

He previously said that he hoped to open doors for some of the university's media students.