Peter Charlton has been rewarded for his 12-year stint editing the Sheffield Star by being given an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University.
Charlton, who last month became editor of the Yorkshire Post, was praised by the university as someone who “whether you are a businessman or ordinary citizen, makes you all feel part of Sheffield and proud of your community”.
University spokesman David Mowthorpe said: “Peter’s goal has always been to help give the people a city to be proud of. Under his leadership, the Star was a paper that belonged to its readers because it responded to local social needs and issues.
“He got his teeth into social campaigns such as nuisance neighbours and road improvements in black spots such as the Stocksbridge by-pass, and also addressed relatively small issues, but ones which mattered greatly to the people affected.”
Receiving his doctorate, Charlton said: “As it continues with its work to emerge as a modern and dynamic city, Sheffield must never lose its compassionate nature. Likewise, our region’s newspapers are vital in being supportive of our communities and helping them attain their aspirations.
“To this end, we must be free to comment constructively, without confrontation and back-door censorship. I feel that the honour of being here today shows that these values are respected and acknowledged at all levels of society
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