St Michael’s welcomes ‘media heavyweight’

Last week, the staff and pupils of St Michael’s were delighted to welcome Chief Executive of DMG Media, Kevin Beatty. Mr Beatty, a highly influential figure within the media industry, attended St Michael’s for a question and answer session with Journalism pupils after his niece, Year 12 pupil Olivia Beatty, requested a visit.

Mr Kevin Beatty and the GCSE Journalism pupils at St Michael's

Kevin, who is also a director of both the Press Association and DMGT (Daily Mail General Trust), enthralled pupils and staff alike with his two hour long visit in which he responded to questions which ranged from general advice about pursuing a career in the media industry, to more hard hitting enquires, such as his views on the Leveson inquiry.

The media heavyweight provided a fascinating insight into his industry, particularly that of the decline of newspapers and rise of online news.

Mrs Gail McSherry, teacher of English and Journalism, said: “Mr Beatty provided our pupils with a lot of very useful advice about pursuing Journalism as a career, such as details about appropriate and relevant A Levels to study, as well as information about the skills and qualities needed to be successful in this career.”

She went on: “It was a great privilege to have Kevin visit our school and speak to our pupils as he is such an expert in his field. I was truly inspired by his words, and I have no doubt that this was also the case for our pupils.”

Kevin Beatty, who was raised in Lurgan, has worked in the media for a number of decades. He previously served as Managing Director of the Scottish Daily Record, The Mail on Sunday, the Evening Standard and Metro. He is now Chief Executive of DMG Media.