Martin Bell comes to Sunderland

Journalist Martin Bell was the talk of Sunderland University this week as he came in to deliver an insight into what he calls “the best profession”.  Martin was seriously wounded in 1992 when hit by shrapnel whilst reporting in Bosnia. After working for the BBC since the early sixties, he then took on the role of MP in 1997 as an independent candidate, taking the Tatton seat from the disgraced Tory Neil Hamilton.

Martin Bell

He entertained a full auditorium of eager listeners with stories from his career, some dating back to the 1960’s. Martin also expressed his concern over what he believes to be a ‘loss of authenticity’ to the modern journalistic profession as “journalists are spending far too long looking at screens and not enough time out in the real world” he said.
After more than half an hour of giving an insight into his long and lively career, Martin allowed a question and answer opportunity to the delight of the crowd of media students and staff.
Sunderland was just one of many stops around the UK for Martin Bell as he promotes his recently released book, A Very British Revolution, which lifts the lid on the recent MP’s expenses scandal. He spoke to us later about the book, his thoughts on the next election and some tips for those wanting a career in journalism

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