Professor Robert G Picard appointed first Director of Research at Reuters Institute

Professor Robert G Picard, a world-leading specialist on media economics and government media policies, is to join Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ) at the University of Oxford.

As from this month Professor Picard will become the Institutes first Director of Research, bolstering its continuing development as Europes foremost research centre for international comparative journalism. The RISJ, based in the Universitys Department of Politics and International Relations, is global in its perspective, and Professor Picard will direct projects across its main research areas examining changes in the business of journalism, the practice of journalism and journalism and accountability.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Picard said: The RISJ is expanding its capabilities as an organisation that undertakes vital research and provides independent analysis of media developments and issues. I am delighted to play a role in those efforts because it is critical to have a reliable, autonomous source from which policy makers and media companies can seek knowledge and insight in the rapidly changing media environment.